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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with sautéed spinach and rich cream cheese, topped with melted mozzarella for a cheesy finish. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this casserole is simple to prepare with a quick marination and baking method.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Vegetables & Cheese

  • 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 and facilitate easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends of the chicken cutlets gently to ensure an even thickness for uniform cooking.
  3. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon 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. Sauté Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the cooked spinach and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Add Parmesan cheese if using, and mix well to combine all ingredients.
  6. Sear Chicken (Optional): For added flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side, just until lightly browned but not cooked through.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly in the greased baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.
  9. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to settle the flavors. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • If you prefer, you can skip searing the chicken to save time; baking will still cook it thoroughly.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice salty depth; omit for a milder flavor.
  • Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor, but frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be substituted.
  • To make this dish lower in fat, consider using light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheeses.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese recipe, baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken spinach

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Find it online: https://marinamontclair.com/chicken-and-spinach-casserole-with-cream-cheese-recipe/