Description
A one-dish, creamy casserole that combines tender chicken, wilted spinach, and tangy cream cheese for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach (about 2 big handfuls)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Butterfly each chicken breast into two cutlets. Pound thicker areas gently to an even thickness.
- Whisk 1 tablespoon olive oil with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 15–30 minutes.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet and add spinach, cooking until wilted (2–3 minutes). Transfer to a bowl and squeeze out excess water.
- Beat the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Stir in spinach and 1/2 cup mozzarella (plus Parmesan if using) until combined.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. If desired, sear cutlets for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Arrange chicken in the baking dish, top with the spinach-cream cheese mixture, and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 20–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheese is melted and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, serve with roasted vegetables or consider using Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, comfort food, family dinner