When I first tried making a Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe, I had no idea how quickly it would become one of my go-to weeknight meals. The creamy, savory combination of chicken, spinach, and cream cheese is simply irresistible! Plus, it’s a quick and easy dish to prepare, with minimal cleanup, which is always a bonus in my kitchen.
Everyone loves it, even the pickiest eaters, and I can’t wait to share this comforting recipe with you. You can also enjoy similar flavors in the Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe for a fun twist on chicken dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless): For tender, juicy chicken that bakes perfectly in the creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps sauté the garlic and gives a rich base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds savory depth and a fragrant aroma to the casserole.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A flavorful mix that ties the dish together with herbs.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Provides a creamy texture and rich tang to the casserole.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds extra creaminess and a mild tanginess.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully and enhances the dish’s creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to balance the richness.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed): Fresh spinach provides color, flavor, and nutrients. Avoid frozen spinach to prevent excess moisture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season the dish and bring out the natural flavors.
Note: This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes.
Variations:
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a non-dairy yogurt or sour cream alternative. Opt for dairy-free cheese if you need to keep it entirely dairy-free.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian option.
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need:
- 9×13-inch baking dish: For assembling and baking the casserole.
- Large skillet: To sauté the chicken and garlic.
Sharp knife: To cut the chicken and vegetables. - Grater or shredder: For the cheese.
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese?
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Once done, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. This step adds a rich aroma to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the chicken and spinach.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan. Stir everything together until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste, then mix in the sautéed garlic and cooked chicken. This creamy base will form the rich, savory foundation of your casserole.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Next, layer the fresh spinach over the creamy chicken mixture. Fresh spinach is a great choice because it wilts beautifully, adding color and nutrition without the excess moisture that frozen spinach can bring. Gently mix the spinach into the chicken and cream cheese mixture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the chicken-spinach mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when it’s bubbly and golden on top.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better:
- Cream Cheese Texture: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing; this prevents lumps in the sauce and ensures a smoother consistency.
- Use Fresh Spinach: I recommend using fresh spinach to keep the casserole from becoming too watery. If you must use frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture.
- Top it Off: I love adding a crunchy topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version. It adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy casserole.
How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese?
This casserole is so creamy and rich that it pairs perfectly with a simple side salad for balance. You can also serve it over rice, wild rice, or pasta for a more filling meal. For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the dish.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 22g
Make Ahead and Storage:
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
- Storage: Leftovers will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool it completely before wrapping and freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: It’s simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and cleanup.
- Versatile: You can adapt it to suit various dietary preferences or flavor profiles.
- Perfect Comfort Food: The creamy, cheesy sauce makes it a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
- Quick Weeknight Meal: It comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
This chicken and spinach casserole with cream cheese is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to enjoy with family and friends!
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Once done, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. This step adds a rich aroma to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the chicken and spinach.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan. Stir everything together until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste, then mix in the sautéed garlic and cooked chicken. This creamy base will form the rich, savory foundation of your casserole.
- Next, layer the fresh spinach over the creamy chicken mixture. Fresh spinach is a great choice because it wilts beautifully, adding color and nutrition without the excess moisture that frozen spinach can bring. Gently mix the spinach into the chicken and cream cheese mixture.
- Transfer the chicken-spinach mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when it’s bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Cream Cheese Texture: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing; this prevents lumps in the sauce and ensures a smoother consistency.
- Use Fresh Spinach: I recommend using fresh spinach to keep the casserole from becoming too watery. If you must use frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture.
- Top it Off: I love adding a crunchy topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version. It adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy casserole.
