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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 69 reviews

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, flavorful baked dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender chicken cutlets marinated with garlic and Italian seasoning are topped with a luscious blend of spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked to golden perfection. This casserole combines protein and greens in a cheesy, satisfying meal that is quick to prepare and ideal for feeding a family.

Ingredients

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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

Spinach Filling

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

Topping

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: 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 prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast horizontally to create four even cutlets. Use a rolling pin to pound the thicker parts so all pieces are of uniform thickness, ensuring even cooking.
  3. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cutlets to the bowl, toss to coat them well in the marinade, then cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor.
  4. Cook Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Fold in the wilted spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and the optional Parmesan cheese, mixing until evenly combined.
  6. Sear Chicken (Optional): Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. For extra flavor and color, sear each cutlet in the hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional but recommended.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier. Enjoy your creamy and delicious chicken spinach casserole!

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before cooking.
  • For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella cheese.
  • To add extra flavor, consider sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade.
  • This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese casserole, baked chicken, cheesy chicken dish

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