Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a cozy, ultra-creamy bake that feels like a big warm hug at the end of a busy day. Fork-tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a decadent blanket of cheese come together for a dish that tastes far more sophisticated than the prep time would suggest. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or inviting friends over for a laid-back meal, this casserole delivers indulgence and nourishment in every bite. It’s the ultimate comfort food made simple, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy pantry items for this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. Each ingredient shines on its own, building irresistible flavor and luscious texture—there truly are no throwaways here!

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken keeps the dish hearty while soaking up all the creamy flavors.
• Olive oil: Brings richness and helps brown the chicken and saute the spinach without sticking.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the casserole with incredible savoriness—don’t skip it!
• Italian seasoning: This all-purpose blend is a flavor shortcut that instantly livens up the whole dish.
• Salt and black pepper: The duo balances all the flavors and brings everything together perfectly.
• Fresh spinach: Adds color and nutrition, wilting down to boost both the flavor and visual appeal.
• Cream cheese: The star ingredient, it makes the casserole outrageously creamy and ties everything together.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness both inside and on top for maximum cheese pull.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty kick if you want an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Kick things off by heating your oven to 400°F and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This way, the casserole will slide right out later, and you’ll get those golden, bubbly edges everyone loves!

Step 2: Prepare and Pound the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally so you have four thin cutlets. Place them between sheets of parchment or plastic wrap, then gently pound out any thicker parts with a rolling pin or mallet to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Marinate for Flavor

Whisk together one tablespoon of olive oil, the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken, tossing to coat every nook and cranny. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes—this lets all those flavors sink in and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Toss in the fresh spinach and stir for about 2-3 minutes until it just wilts—you want it bright green and tender. Set it aside; it’ll be folded into the creamy layer soon.

Step 5: Make the Spinach and Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the wilted spinach, half of your shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan if you’re using it. The result is a rich, scoopable filling that’s utterly irresistible.

Step 6: Arrange and (Optional) Sear the Chicken

Take the marinated chicken from the fridge and let the excess marinade drip off. If you want a boost of flavor and color, quickly sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side—but this is totally optional! Lay the pieces in a single, snug layer in your prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture over the chicken, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top; this ensures an extra gooey, golden finish once baked.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese for 20-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, slightly browned, and the chicken is cooked through. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this little pause helps everything settle and makes for perfect slices.

How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Garnishes

A bright sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. A pinch of extra Parmesan never hurt anyone, either—it’s the finishing touch that makes every plate restaurant-worthy!

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and satisfying, so balance it with something light. I love pairing it with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or simple roasted veggies. If you’re feeling extra-hungry, a side of buttery rice or garlic bread will soak up all the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon generous portions of the casserole into individual gratin dishes for a dinner party, or tuck servings into warm pita or atop pasta for a unique spin. It’s also delicious served on a bed of spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb approach—let your imagination lead the way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so it’s just as tasty (if not tastier) the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes quite well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave until hot, or cover and bake the dish at 350°F until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of milk or cream to keep the casserole nice and creamy as it warms back up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to your cream cheese mixture. This keeps your casserole from turning watery.

What other cheeses work in this casserole?

Mozzarella is classic for gooeyness, but you can switch it up—try Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a bit of smoked gouda for a new twist on Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese.

Is there a lighter way to make this?

You can use reduced-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel for a lighter version. Also, consider using less cheese, or add more spinach to bulk up the veggie content.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

While it’s not strictly required, marinating infuses tons of flavor and keeps the chicken extra moist. Even just a short 15-minute soak can make a big difference.

Can I prep Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese in advance?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance—just cover and refrigerate. Bake as directed when you’re ready to eat, adding a few extra minutes if it goes straight from the fridge to the oven.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how soul-satisfying and effortless Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese can be. It’s the kind of dependable, crowd-pleasing dish that feels both special and simple—so gather your loved ones, dig in, and savor every creamy bite!

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