Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy, and satisfying dish that brings together wholesome ingredients in a delightful way, this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is about to become your new favorite. It’s a gorgeous blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich cream cheese all baked to bubbling perfection with gooey mozzarella on top. Every bite feels like a warm hug, combining comforting textures and vibrant flavors that make this casserole an absolute crowd pleaser in any season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential for building the creamy, savory, and fresh layers in your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. Each one plays its part, whether it’s adding moisture, seasoning, or that delightful melty topping we all crave.

• Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless breasts ensures tender, easy-to-layer chicken cutlets perfect for soaking up flavors.
• Olive oil: Divided use allows for both marinating and sautéing, bringing out the aroma and helping the spinach wilt beautifully.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic delivers a punch of savory warmth that melds perfectly with the creamy components.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that infuses the dish with herbs like basil and oregano, providing a charming Mediterranean touch.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer, from the chicken to the cheese filling.
• Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild earthiness, balancing richness with leafy freshness.
• Cream cheese: The star of the show, softened cream cheese creates that irresistible creamy texture binding the casserole together.
• Mozzarella cheese: Divided to mix in and melt on top, mozzarella contributes gooey, stringy cheese bliss.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor for extra depth if you like a cheesier kick on top.

How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to a cozy 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This step ensures your casserole will bake evenly and come out with a lovely golden crust without sticking.

Step 2: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four even cutlets—this helps them cook evenly and soak up the marinade. Using a rolling pin, gently pound any thicker parts of the chicken so every bite is uniformly tender. Then whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Toss in the chicken cutlets, coat them well, cover, and chill for 15-30 minutes so all the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Cook the Spinach

In a hot skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat and add fresh spinach. Stir frequently to wilt the spinach gently without overcooking it, usually around 2-3 minutes. Once tender, set it aside to cool slightly before combining with the creamy filling.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Spinach Cheese Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until silky smooth. Then fold in the wilted spinach and half of your shredded mozzarella cheese, plus Parmesan if you’re using it. Mix until the filling is creamy and evenly combined, creating a luscious layer to spread over your chicken later.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. For a bit of extra flavor and texture, sear the chicken in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side. This quick browning step adds a beautiful contrast to the creamy layers that follow. Arrange the cutlets in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the creamy spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken cutlets. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously on top to create that perfect golden, melty finish after baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the chicken is cooked through, the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned on top. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to help everything set and keep its incredible creamy texture.

How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil brightens the creamy casserole beautifully while adding a fresh, herbal note. If you want a little spice, try a dusting of red chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are excellent choices—they soak up any cheesy sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch at dinner parties. Alternatively, add a crispy breadcrumb topping before baking for an extra layer of texture everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen and the cream cheese stays luscious when properly chilled.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken or curdling the cheese.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture from the frozen spinach to avoid a watery casserole. Fresh spinach tends to provide better texture and flavor, but frozen works well in a pinch.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

If you want a lighter option, ricotta cheese can be used, though it won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free twist, try a cashew-based creamy spread—just expect a slight change in flavor.

Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella and Parmesan?

Absolutely! Cheddar or Monterey Jack mix deliciously with chicken and spinach, adding a different flavor profile. Just keep the overall cheese amount similar to maintain the creamy consistency.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure there’s no pink in the thickest part and the juices run clear. The bubbly, browned cheese top is also a good visual clue your casserole is ready.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Italian seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten. Always check labels to keep it safe if needed.

Final Thoughts

Cooking and sharing this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese feels like giving your family or friends a big, warm culinary hug. It’s deceptively simple, yet packed with comforting flavor and creamy satisfaction. I hope you whip this up soon, enjoy every luscious bite, and maybe even find yourself craving it again and again. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Print