Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

This comforting chicken and spinach casserole combines tender chicken breast with a velvety cream cheese and spinach filling, all topped with golden, bubbly mozzarella. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of protein-rich chicken, nutrient-packed spinach, and creamy, melted cheeses that meld together into the ultimate comfort food experience. The Italian seasonings infuse the dish with aromatic herbs while the garlic adds a savory depth that elevates the entire casserole. Simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining, this one-pan wonder satisfies both your craving for indulgence and your need for a wholesome, complete meal.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season when I needed dinner solutions that could feed my family well without keeping me in the kitchen all evening. The first time I made it, my husband took one bite and declared it an instant family favorite! My picky ten-year-old, who typically pushes spinach around his plate, devoured this casserole and asked for seconds. Last month when my mother-in-law visited, she was convinced I had ordered takeout from a gourmet restaurant - until she saw me pull the leftovers from our refrigerator the next day.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor; organic or free-range works beautifully
• 2tablespoons olive oil, divided: Use a good extra virgin olive oil for better flavor in both the marinade and sautéing
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides superior flavor; pre-minced jarred garlic works in a pinch
• 1tablespoon Italian seasoning: This herb blend saves time while providing a perfect flavor profile for the dish
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors; kosher salt or sea salt works best
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground adds the best flavor and appearance
• 2 cups fresh spinach: Creates the nutrient-rich, colorful filling; baby spinach requires no additional chopping
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The foundation of the creamy filling; allow it to come to room temperature for smooth blending
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Creates that irresistible melty topping; freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a savory, nutty dimension that complements the other flavors perfectly

Pin it

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare Your Space:

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable. The high oven temperature ensures your casserole bakes evenly with a tender crumb. While the oven preheats, prepare your ingredients so they're readily available as you work through the recipe.

Prep the Chicken:

Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully slice each one horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. If the pieces aren't evenly thick, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½-inch. This step ensures even cooking and creates more surface area for the flavorful marinade to penetrate. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere better.

Season the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine 1tablespoon of olive oil with the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well to create your marinade. Add the chicken cutlets to this mixture, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 15-30 minutes. During this time, the chicken absorbs the flavors while you prepare the remaining components.

Prepare the Spinach:

In a dry skillet over medium heat, combine the remaining tablespoon of olive oil with the fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the spinach wilts down completely. The volume will reduce dramatically - this is normal! Remove the skillet from heat and let the spinach cool slightly. If there's excess moisture in the pan, drain it off to prevent a watery casserole.

Create the Creamy Filling:

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the sautéed spinach, half of the mozzarella cheese (½ cup), and all of the Parmesan cheese if using. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined. The warm spinach will help the cheeses melt slightly, creating a cohesive mixture. This creamy filling is the heart of the casserole, providing rich flavor in every bite.

Assemble the Casserole:

Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and arrange the cutlets in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Spoon the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to cover each piece completely. The creamy topping will melt down into the chicken as it bakes, infusing it with flavor. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top to create that irresistible golden crust once baked.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (not the filling). The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. To ensure food safety, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F internally, but be careful not to overcook or the meat will become dry.

Rest Before Serving:

Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring the chicken stays moist and tender. If you used toothpicks, remember to remove them before serving. Transfer to plates and spoon any pan juices over the top for extra flavor.

You Must Know:

Cream Cheese Texture - Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth filling; cold cream cheese will remain lumpy

Spinach Volume - Don't worry when fresh spinach cooks down dramatically; 2 cups raw will become about 1/4 cup cooked

Chicken Doneness - Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer rather than cooking time, as thickness affects cooking speed

My first attempt at this casserole taught me an important lesson about cream cheese - I tried to use it straight from the refrigerator and ended up with a lumpy mess! Now I always set it out at least 30 minutes before starting. I've also discovered that squeezing the excess moisture from the sautéed spinach makes a huge difference in the final texture of the casserole. My family's favorite variation includes adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms beneath the spinach mixture, which adds an earthy depth that complements the creamy cheese perfectly.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile casserole works beautifully with many different side dishes. For a complete meal, serve it alongside fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles that catch all the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides freshness that balances the rich, cheesy casserole. For a lower-carb option, pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower. Crusty garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole is the perfect make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance - simply assemble it through step 5, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, then proceed with baking as directed. The cooked casserole also reheats well if you have leftovers. For best results, reheat covered in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes to prevent drying out.

Leftover Love

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully and might even taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – though it rarely lasts that long in my house! The flavors actually continue to develop during storage, making day-two slices even better than day one. If you need to make this casserole further in advance, you can freeze it without the mozzarella topping and cream cheese mixture. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the toppings before serving.

Creative Variations

While this classic version is hard to beat, there are several delicious ways to customize your chicken and spinach casserole. For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Love citrus? Add some lemon zest along with the juice, or try orange juice instead for a different flavor profile. For an Asian-inspired twist, add a teaspoon of grated ginger and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the mozzarella slightly or substitute with a touch of maple syrup for a different dimension of flavor.

Pin it

Troubleshooting Tips

If your casserole seems watery after baking, it could be from excess moisture in the spinach. Next time, be sure to thoroughly drain the sautéed spinach or even squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel before mixing with the cream cheese. If the cheese topping isn't browning to your liking but the chicken needs more time, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining cooking time. If your chicken is browning too quickly but the cheese needs more time, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

I love making this casserole when entertaining because it always impresses without keeping me stuck in the kitchen. At my last dinner party, a friend who 'doesn't eat spinach' cleaned her plate and asked for the recipe! There's something uniquely satisfying about creating a dish that looks complicated but comes together with such ease. The way the cream cheese melts into a velvety sauce that coats each piece of chicken creates a dish that's both comforting and elegant - the perfect combination for any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute with 1 cup of frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing with the cream cheese to prevent a watery casserole.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer - chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Without a thermometer, cut into the thickest part - the meat should be completely white with no pink showing.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

This pairs well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice, or pasta. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes would all work well. Just sauté them briefly with the spinach to release excess moisture before adding to the cream cheese mixture.