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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese - Easy Recipe

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese – Easy Recipe

Description

Welcome, food lovers! If you’re searching for a comforting, creamy dish packed with flavor, this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is exactly what you need. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or looking to impress guests, this recipe blends the richness of cream cheese with the healthy goodness of spinach and chicken. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

 

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional

Optional Substitutions:

  • Replace cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
  • For a dairy-free option, swap cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative.
  • Substitute chicken with tofu or turkey for a different protein source.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Then, cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four even cutlets. Gently pound the thicker ends of the chicken with a rolling pin or meat mallet so they are uniform in thickness, ensuring even cooking.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cutlets and toss until coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for about 15-30 minutes to let the flavors soak in.

Step 3: Cook the Spinach

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. Set it aside once wilted and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Fold in the wilted spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and optional Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator, shaking off any excess marinade. If desired, sear the chicken in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to develop extra flavor. Arrange the chicken cutlets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.

Step 6: Add the Creamy Layer

Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Equipment

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but frozen spinach (thawed and drained) works if you’re in a pinch.
  • Searing the chicken briefly before baking helps lock in moisture and adds a deeper flavor.
  • Cream cheese should be softened for easy mixing. Leave it at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before using.

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