Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a delicious, creamy dish that combines healthy spinach and tender chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Begin your culinary adventure by preheating the oven to 400°F. Simultaneously, prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing a 9×13 inch size to prevent sticking. Take the chicken breasts and cut them in half horizontally, creating four even cutlets that will cook uniformly. To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, gently pound the thicker ends using a rolling pin or a meat mallet.
- Next, you’ll want to infuse your chicken with flavor. In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cutlets, tossing them carefully to ensure every piece is well coated in the marinade. For best results, cover the bowl and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes.
- While the chicken is marinating, focus on your greens! Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the fresh spinach and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts down and transforms into a vibrant green mixture. Once wilted, set it aside to cool slightly.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Fold in the wilted spinach and half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, plus the optional Parmesan if desired.
- Retrieve your marinated chicken from the refrigerator, removing excess marinade. If you want an added depth of flavor, quickly sear the chicken in the skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side. Arrange the chicken cutlets in your prepped baking dish in a single layer.
- Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken. Cover each piece adequately. Finish by sprinkling the remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Transfer your assembled casserole into the preheated oven, and allow it to bake for 20-30 minutes. Once done, let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an even creamier texture, you can add a splash of chicken broth to the cream cheese mixture when blending. Adjust the seasoning to your liking; tasting as you go is key to achieving a flavor profile that suits your palate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 35 g