This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a comforting and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese and mozzarella creates a luscious, savory sauce that envelops the chicken and spinach.
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Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and rich in vitamins from the spinach, this casserole offers a balanced meal.
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Quick and Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can have this dish ready for the oven in no time.
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Family-Friendly: Its creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut horizontally
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 cups fresh spinach, rinsed
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
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Prepare Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
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Sauté Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add spinach and cook until wilted, then remove from heat.
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Assemble Casserole: Spread softened cream cheese evenly over the chicken breasts. Top with the sautéed spinach and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it on its own or with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
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Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Variations
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Add Mushrooms: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for additional depth of flavor.
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Use Different Cheeses: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or Gruyère for a different taste profile.
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Incorporate Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for extra freshness.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Ensure it’s thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out before adding it to the dish.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a side of rice or quinoa.
How can I ensure the chicken is cooked properly?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I add pasta to this casserole?
Yes, cooked pasta can be mixed into the casserole before baking for a heartier meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this casserole is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s possible to freeze leftovers, the texture of the cream cheese may change upon thawing. For best results, consume fresh or within a few days of refrigeration.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives, such as dairy-free cream cheese and cheese shreds.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Certainly. Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its creamy texture, rich flavors, and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Print
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a quick and comforting dinner. Made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and mozzarella, this low-carb and gluten-free casserole is an easy weeknight favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut horizontally
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh spinach, rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Prepare Chicken: Arrange chicken breasts in the dish. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sauté Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute. Add spinach, cook until wilted, then remove from heat.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread cream cheese evenly over the chicken. Top with sautéed spinach, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with roasted vegetables, a salad, or a side of rice.
Notes
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or Gruyère.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cream cheese and cheese shreds.
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