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Chicken and spinach casserole with cream cheese served in a baking dish

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

A cozy, creamy casserole featuring tender chicken and vibrant spinach, perfect for weeknight meals and seasonal gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts Halved horizontally to create cutlets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach Use baby spinach for best texture
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Divided
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Optional, adds a nutty flavor

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prepare

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Prepare the Chicken

  • Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four cutlets.
  • Pound the thicker ends with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they’re all of even thickness.
  • Tip: Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag before pounding.

Marinade

  • In a large bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of olive oil with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the chicken, toss to coat, then cover and chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes.
  • Tip: Marinate up to 2 hours for extra flavor, but avoid marinating for much longer.

Wilt the Spinach

  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling

  • In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add the wilted spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan (if using) and mix until well combined.
  • Tip: Use a food processor for a silkier consistency.

Sear the Chicken (Optional) and Arrange

  • Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. If desired, sear for 1–2 minutes per side.
  • Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Assemble the Casserole

  • Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the top.

Bake

  • Bake for 20–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
  • Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cool leftovers to room temperature before refrigerating. Serve the casserole with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 30gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
Keyword casserole, Chicken, Comfort Food, Cream Cheese, Spinach
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