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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

A delicious and hearty casserole made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut in half horizontally
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided Used for marinating and cooking
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Casserole Filling
  • 2 cups fresh spinach Can substitute with frozen spinach if thawed and drained well
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Can use reduced-fat cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional For added flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends for even thickness.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
  4. In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Set aside.
  5. Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl, then stir in spinach and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan if using).
  6. Optionally, sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for added flavor.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Arrange the chicken in the baking dish, spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over it, and top with remaining mozzarella.
  2. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  3. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, straight from the oven. Pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or cooked bacon for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can freeze portions for later use.