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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Chicken and Spinach Casserole featuring tender chicken breasts baked with a creamy blend of cream cheese, fresh spinach, and mozzarella. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty dinner and combines savory herbs with melted cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 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

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set it aside to be ready for the casserole assembly.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Use a rolling pin to pound the thicker ends until all pieces have an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
  3. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cutlets, toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
  4. Cook the spinach: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and stir frequently until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Make the creamy mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the cooked spinach, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese if using. Mix well until combined into a creamy filling.
  6. Prepare chicken for baking: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Optionally, sear the chicken in the hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side to create a light golden crust. Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer in the greased baking dish.
  7. Assemble the casserole: Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the arranged chicken. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella evenly on top for a cheesy finish.
  8. Bake and serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy chicken and spinach casserole!

Notes

  • You can use fresh or frozen spinach; if frozen, be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.
  • If Parmesan cheese is unavailable, feel free to omit it or substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or cheese mixture.
  • This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just extend the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
  • Serve with a side of rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Nutrition

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

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