Looking for a comforting yet nutritious meal? This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a velvety cream cheese base. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness balanced with the wholesome flavors of spinach and garlic. This casserole is a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want something rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. Easy to prepare, it’s sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to warm up.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a spacious skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until thoroughly cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Spinach: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Incorporate the chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic. Add the fresh spinach and cook until it’s wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the sautéed spinach and mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish, layer the cooked chicken pieces. Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken. Garnish with the leftover shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden finish, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy and cheesy dish with a side of salad or garlic bread.
Conclusion:
This chicken and spinach casserole combines the richness of cream cheese with the fresh, earthy flavor of spinach. The melted mozzarella and optional Parmesan on top create an irresistible golden crust that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken beneath. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Serve it with a simple side salad or your favorite roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is madewith tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a smooth cream cheese mixture.Topped with melted mozzarella and optional Parmesan, it's a rich and comfortingdish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to warm up.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a spacious skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until thoroughly cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Spinach: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Incorporate the chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic. Add the fresh spinach and cook until it’s wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the sautéed spinach and mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish, layer the cooked chicken pieces. Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken. Garnish with the leftover shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden finish, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy and cheesy dish with a side of salad or garlic bread.