Chicken and Spinach Casserole

A hearty Chicken and Spinach Casserole ready to be served.
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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Looking for a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition? The Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is your answer! This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and vibrant spinach into a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Not only does it serve up deliciousness, but it also brings together wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Simple steps make preparation a breeze.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
  • Unbelievably Delicious: The flavor combination is simply irresistible.

This casserole stands out for its creamy texture and delightful flavors, making it a go-to meal that impresses without stress. It’s a warm hug in a dish, perfect for cozy evenings at home.

Ingredients Needed

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally, creating four thin cutlets. Gently pound the thicker edges to ensure uniform thickness.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken cutlets in the marinade, cover the bowl, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes. This adds tasty flavor!
  4. Cook the Spinach: Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until it’s wilted. Remove it from the heat and set aside.
  5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the wilted spinach and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan if using) until combined.
  6. Optional Sear: For extra flavor, consider searing the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side before baking. This step is optional but recommended!
  7. Assemble the Casserole: Arrange the marinated chicken in the prepared baking dish. Spread the creamy spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving it. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the Chicken and Spinach Casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese for added flair. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread.

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Helpful Notes

  • Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for more flavor and nutrition.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients.
  • Freezable: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, freeze it before baking, and then bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

The Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a fantastic recipe to add to your meal rotation. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! And don’t forget to share your thoughts on social media—what variations did you try? Let us know below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe and add extra flavor.

How do I make this gluten-free?

This recipe is gluten-free as written. Just ensure your cheese is gluten-free as some brands may have additives.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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Chicken And Spinach Casserole 2025 10 03 195704 150x150 1

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

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  • Author: chef-ava
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free
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Description

A comforting casserole packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and vibrant spinach, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally and pound for uniform thickness.
  3. Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Marinade chicken cutlets for 15 to 30 minutes.
  4. Sauté fresh spinach in the remaining olive oil for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Set aside.
  5. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in wilted spinach and 1/2 cup mozzarella.
  6. Optional: Sear marinated chicken in a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side.
  7. Arrange chicken in baking dish, spread spinach-cheese mixture over it, and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
  8. Bake for 20-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and cheese is golden.
  9. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, searing the chicken is recommended but optional. You can add other veggies for more nutrition, and the casserole is naturally gluten-free.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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