Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring tender chicken cutlets layered with a creamy spinach mixture and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional) Use if desired
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four cutlets. Pound the thicker ends with a rolling pin for even thickness.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cutlets and toss to coat. Cover and chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook, stirring frequently until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the wilted spinach, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix until smooth.
Assembly and Cooking
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. For a golden exterior, sear the chicken in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side if desired.
- Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight for a deeper taste. This casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables.