If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe is your next favorite meal. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant spinach, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a dish that’s perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. It’s one of those recipes that effortlessly balances hearty and healthy, making every bite utterly satisfying and full of wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing its unique touch to the flavor, texture, and color of the casserole. From the tender chicken to the melted cheeses and fresh spinach, everything works together beautifully to create a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein that becomes tender and juicy when baked.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Adds richness and helps in cooking the chicken and spinach to perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs an aromatic punch that enhances the flavor without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an Italian flair and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Wilted into the creamy sauce, it adds a pop of green and nutrients.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The creamy base that makes the casserole luscious and rich.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness, both inside and on top.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that balances the creaminess.
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Next, slice each chicken breast in half horizontally, creating four thin cutlets, and gently pound any thicker parts so they cook evenly. In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, which will infuse the chicken with a fragrant, savory kick. Toss the chicken cutlets in this marinade, cover, and pop them in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes—this brief resting time lets the flavors sink in beautifully.
Step 2: Wilt the Spinach
While the chicken marinates, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green. This quick cooking softens the spinach just enough to blend well with the creamy cheese mixture without losing its fresh taste or nutrients. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Then fold in the cooked spinach along with half a cup of shredded mozzarella and the optional Parmesan cheese. This combination creates a luscious, creamy mixture dotted with verdant bits of spinach and cheesy pockets that will ooze invitingly once baked. The result is a rich filling that makes this casserole truly irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Optionally, for an extra layer of flavor and a lovely golden crust, quickly sear each marinated chicken cutlet in a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side. This step isn’t necessary but highly recommended if you want that slightly caramelized touch. Then arrange the chicken pieces evenly in your prepared baking dish. Spoon and spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated. Finally, top everything off with the remaining mozzarella cheese, which will melt and brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 20 to 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it’s perfectly cooked through. The cheese should be melted, bubbling, and lightly browned on top, creating a delicious golden crust. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes—this downtime lets all the juices settle, making each bite tender, moist, and incredibly flavorful.
How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top of your casserole just before serving brightens the dish visually and infuses a fresh herbal aroma. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also elevate the flavors, adding subtle brightness that cuts through the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple side dishes like garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. The creamy, indulgent nature of the Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe complements lighter sides perfectly, balancing each plate with freshness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy or hosting a dinner, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized, elegant touch. Another fun idea is to layer the casserole over a bed of cooked pasta or rice to turn it into a heartier comfort meal. Either way, presentation adds a special flair that will wow your guests or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal that warms up beautifully without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process. For freezing after baking, cool completely, then cover and freeze in portions. This flexibility makes the Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe perfect to prep ahead and enjoy whenever you want.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for faster meals, though baking gives the best texture and cheesy melt.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole. Fresh spinach keeps the dish brighter and less soggy, but frozen will work in a pinch.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
You can absolutely swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, or even use plant-based chicken substitutes. Just adjust cooking times to make sure any added veggies are tender and flavorful.
Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella and Parmesan?
Definitely! Cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or gouda can add different flavor profiles. Mozzarella is great for melting, and Parmesan adds sharpness, but feel free to experiment with your favorites to make the casserole your own.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour or breadcrumbs. Just double-check that any seasoning blends and cheese are gluten-free, which most are, and you’re good to go!
What can I do if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
Any similarly sized oven-safe dish will work—just adjust the layering to fit. If your dish is smaller, you might need to bake in batches or use a smaller casserole dish and reduce bake time.
Final Thoughts
If you love recipes that combine comfort food warmth with fresh, wholesome ingredients, the Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s versatile, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make, making it perfect for any occasion when you want to serve up deliciousness without fuss. Give it a try soon and watch it become one of your favorite crowd-pleasers in no time!
Print
Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for a hearty family dinner. Tender chicken cutlets are marinated with garlic and Italian seasoning, layered with sautéed spinach and cream cheese, then baked to golden perfection with melted mozzarella cheese on top.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 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 Mixture
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to make four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker parts to ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken cutlets in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Sauté Spinach: Heat the remaining tablespoon of 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.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the sautéed spinach and ½ cup mozzarella cheese, adding Parmesan if using, to create a creamy filling.
- Sear Chicken (Optional): For added flavor, sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step can be skipped if preferred.
- Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly in the greased baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over the chicken evenly, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to set. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken and spinach casserole.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Using fresh spinach is recommended, but frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be substituted.
- If you skip searing the chicken, the casserole will still be flavorful and moist.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- You can add chopped mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the cream cheese mixture for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
