A Comforting Recipe I Always Come Back To
Whenever I need a comforting dinner that feels special but doesn’t take hours to prepare, I turn to my Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. I still remember the first time I made it—it was on a cold evening when I wanted something hearty yet simple. The creamy filling, the tender chicken, and the golden cheese topping filled the house with the most inviting aroma. Since then, it has become one of my family’s most requested dishes, especially on busy weeknights.
This casserole isn’t just about ease; it’s also about creating a meal that feels indulgent while still being wholesome. The fresh spinach adds a touch of earthiness that balances the richness of the cream cheese. With every bite, you get a mix of juicy chicken, creamy filling, and melty mozzarella—a trio that never fails to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile
This casserole is easy to customize. If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can swap it with kale, broccoli, or even mushrooms. For the cheese layer, mozzarella works beautifully, but cheddar or Monterey Jack also bring unique flavors. You can also adjust the seasonings to fit your taste, making it as mild or as bold as you like.
Budget-Friendly
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a filling meal for the whole family. Chicken breasts, cream cheese, and spinach are affordable staples, and because this recipe stretches across four servings, it’s a great option for meal planning. Leftovers also reheat well, saving you both time and money.
Ingredients for Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups fresh spinach
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional
This ingredient list is short and simple, yet it delivers incredible flavor and comfort. That’s what makes this recipe so special—it’s proof that you don’t need a long list of items to create a satisfying dish.
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
The beauty of this casserole is how straightforward it is. With only a few steps, you’ll have a wholesome dish that looks and tastes like it took much longer to prepare. Here’s exactly how I make it in my kitchen:
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Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures that nothing sticks and cleanup is easy. -
Cut and Tenderize the Chicken
Take two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut each one in half horizontally. This creates four thin cutlets, which cook more evenly and quickly. If any pieces are thick on one side, gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are even in thickness. -
Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cutlets to the bowl and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have time. This step helps infuse flavor into the meat. -
Cook the Spinach
While the chicken is marinating, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach leaves and sauté for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. -
Make the Creamy Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cooked spinach and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. If you’re using Parmesan, add it now as well. The result is a creamy, savory mixture that will blanket the chicken beautifully. -
Optional Searing Step
If you’d like an extra boost of flavor, sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side before baking. This step adds a nice golden color and a slightly smoky taste. -
Assemble the Casserole
Place the chicken cutlets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over each piece. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. -
Bake to Perfection
Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for 20–30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden. -
Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and the flavors to come together.
Quick and Easy
This casserole requires minimal prep and just a handful of steps. With only 15 minutes of preparation and about 30 minutes in the oven, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour.
Customizable
What I love most about this recipe is how easily you can adjust it. Swap spinach with broccoli or kale, use cheddar instead of mozzarella, or add mushrooms for more texture. You can even make it spicier with red pepper flakes or milder for kids by reducing the garlic.
Crowd-Pleasing
It’s cheesy, creamy, and filling—everything people love in a comforting casserole. Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or even a side salad, it pairs well with almost anything. This is why it always disappears quickly at my table.
FAQs about Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before mixing it with the cream cheese. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect because they cook evenly and stay tender. However, you can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer richer flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply place it in the oven and add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
To reduce calories, use light cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella. You can also increase the amount of spinach or add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
This casserole pairs nicely with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or fluffy rice. Garlic bread is also a great option for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers freeze well. Store cooled portions in airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Why does my casserole turn out watery sometimes?
This usually happens if spinach retains excess water or if the chicken releases too many juices. Make sure to pat the chicken dry and drain spinach thoroughly before mixing.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, most kids love the cheesy, creamy flavors. For picky eaters, you can chop the spinach finely so it blends in better with the sauce.
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken breasts, sautéed spinach, and a rich cream cheese filling topped with gooey mozzarella, it’s a crowd-pleaser the whole family will enjoy.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups fresh spinach
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally to make four thin cutlets. Pound thick ends gently to even thickness.
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In a bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Coat chicken in mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.
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In a skillet, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted. Set aside.
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In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese. Stir in spinach, ½ cup mozzarella, and Parmesan if using. Mix until combined.
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(Optional) Sear chicken in a hot skillet 1–2 minutes per side for added flavor.
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Place chicken in baking dish in a single layer. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over chicken. Top with remaining mozzarella.
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Bake 20–30 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and cheese is melted and lightly golden.
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Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Use frozen spinach if needed, but drain well to avoid excess moisture.
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Try swapping mozzarella with cheddar or Monterey Jack for variety.
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Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes