Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s high in protein and packed with flavor, Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is the perfect solution. This delightful casserole combines tender chicken breasts with fresh spinach and a creamy cheese blend, making it a family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The use of cream cheese creates a luscious texture, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some greens while still enjoying a delicious main course.
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Making this Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a breeze, and it comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how you can create this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 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
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four cutlets. Pound the thicker ends with a rolling pin so they’re all of even thickness.
- 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.
- 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. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the wilted spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. If desired, sear the chicken in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side. Arrange the meat in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
This dish is fantastic served with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to add some color and crunch to your meal. Pair it with crusty bread for a more traditional comfort food experience. For an extra touch, consider drizzling a little balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of pine nuts over the casserole just before serving.
How to Store Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep your casserole longer, it can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
- For added flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight in the garlic and olive oil mixture.
- Experiment with different cheeses – adding a blend of cheddar or gouda can give a unique twist to the recipe.
- Fresh spinach works best, but you can also use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mixture.
Variation
Feel free to customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey or add shrimp for a seafood twist. Adjust the herbs and spices according to your taste preference.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
2. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for cream cheese, though the texture and taste will differ slightly.
3. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based cheeses to cater to dietary restrictions while still delivering a delicious casserole experience.
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 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
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four cutlets. Pound the thicker ends with a rolling pin so they’re all of even thickness.
- 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.
- 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. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the wilted spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan (if using). Mix until well combined.
Cooking
- Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. If desired, sear the chicken in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Arrange the meat in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
