Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. The cream cheese adds a luscious texture, while the spinach provides a nutritious boost. It’s a versatile recipe that I can customize with different vegetables or cheeses, and it always turns out delicious.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in the grated Parmesan, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked chicken and spinach to the cream cheese mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
For a bubbly golden crust, broil the casserole on high for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the spinach for added depth of flavor.
Use Different Cheese: Try Gruyère or white cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
Add Extra Vegetables: Diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes can add color and flavor.
Swap the Protein: Use cooked shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I place the desired portion in a baking dish and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, I reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, I can use frozen spinach. I make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the mixture.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, I add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is this casserole suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, this casserole is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for a low-carb or keto diet.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, I can freeze the baked casserole. Once cooled, I wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, I thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

What can I serve with this casserole?

I often serve this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and nutritious ingredients. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. I love how easy it is to make and how it brings comfort and satisfaction to the table.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 50 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is rich, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—perfect for a comforting low-carb dinner the whole family will love.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Cook 5–6 minutes until no longer pink. Set aside.

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted (3–4 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, whisk softened cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in Parmesan, remaining Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Add cooked chicken and spinach mixture. Stir to coat evenly.

Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella.

Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.

Optional: Broil on high for 2–3 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.

Swap mozzarella with Gruyère, white cheddar, or a cheese blend.

Use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course / Casserole
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American