Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Melted Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a delightful blend of cheeses, it’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 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. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends to ensure even thickness.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Set aside.
5. Step 5: Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl, then stir in spinach and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan if using).
6. Step 6: Optionally, sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for added flavor.
7. Step 7: Arrange the chicken in the baking dish, spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over it, and top with remaining mozzarella.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or add a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach mixture for extra warmth.
• Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if preferred.
• For a low-carb option, serve the casserole with a side salad instead of bread or rice.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking to prevent adding too much moisture to the casserole.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing the chicken is optional but recommended. It adds extra flavor and helps lock in juices, resulting in a more flavorful casserole.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Melted Mozzarella Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 85 reviews

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy spinach and cheese. Marinated in garlic and Italian seasoning, the chicken is baked with a rich mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, resulting in a delightful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Spinach and Cheese Mixture

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Slice and Pound Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets, pounding the thicker ends to ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
3. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken cutlets in this marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to infuse flavor.
4. Cook Spinach: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth, then stir in the cooked spinach and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add Parmesan cheese if using, mixing well.
6. Optional Sear: For added flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned, but do not fully cook.
7. Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken pieces evenly in the greased baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and juices to settle.

Notes

• For extra flavor, searing the chicken before baking is recommended but can be skipped if short on time.
• If Parmesan cheese is not available, you can omit it; the dish will still be creamy and tasty.
• Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor, but frozen spinach can be substituted if properly thawed and drained.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken during the searing step since it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Serve with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: Chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken recipe, Italian seasoning chicken