Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw completely and squeeze out all excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. You'll need about 1 cup of frozen spinach once it's thawed and squeezed dry.

My cream cheese is clumping when I try to spread it. What am I doing wrong?

The cream cheese needs to be truly softened to spread easily. If you're in a hurry, unwrap it and microwave in 10-second intervals until it's spreadable but not melted. You can also try spreading it with the back of a spoon rather than a knife.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

With approximately 5g of carbs per serving, this recipe is perfect for keto or low-carb diets. Just be sure to pair it with low-carb sides to maintain your macros.

Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella Recipe

Name: Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut horizontally; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cup spinach, rinsed; 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded

This Spinach Chicken Casserole is a game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation! Tender chicken breasts are topped with creamy cream cheese, nutrient-packed spinach, and melty mozzarella for a dish that’s both indulgent and simple. Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish, this low-carb, protein-rich casserole delivers incredible flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, this dish comes together in no time – perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re tempted to order takeout.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlicky marinated chicken, tangy cream cheese, earthy spinach, and melty mozzarella creates layers of flavor that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Versatile: Easily customizable based on what you have on hand – works great with different herbs, cheese varieties, or additional vegetables.
Low-Carb Friendly: For those watching their carb intake, this protein-packed dish delivers satisfaction without the starch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: The star protein that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful from the quick marinade. Cutting them horizontally creates thinner pieces that cook more quickly and evenly.
Cream Cheese: Provides that irresistible creamy layer that melts beautifully over the chicken. Make sure it’s softened for easy spreading.
Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a subtle earthy flavor. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot – it wilts down significantly.
Mozzarella: Creates that glorious golden, melty top layer that makes this casserole incredibly inviting. Fresh or pre-shredded both work well.
Garlic: Essential for building deep flavor in the chicken marinade. Fresh is always best for maximum impact.
Olive Oil: Used both for the marinade and for wilting the spinach. A good quality olive oil adds subtle flavor.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes balance and enhance all the other flavors. The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that cuts through the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Cheese Swaps

Try different cheese combinations like provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for variety. A sprinkle of parmesan on top adds wonderful nutty flavor.

Veggie Additions

Add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or sautéed mushrooms between the cream cheese and spinach layers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Protein Options

This recipe works beautifully with chicken thighs, turkey cutlets, or even pork chops if you want to switch things up.

Flavor Boosters

Add a tablespoon of pesto to the cream cheese or sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme on top before serving.

How to Make Spinach Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Create a flavorful marinade by combining olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a zip-top bag. Add chicken breasts, seal, and massage to coat evenly. Let sit for 10-15 minutes while you prep other ingredients and preheat your oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. This quick cooking preserves the vibrant color and prevents the spinach from becoming too watery.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a baking dish, discarding the excess marinade. Spread softened cream cheese evenly over each piece of chicken. Top with the wilted spinach, distributing it evenly. Finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chicken Thickness: For even cooking, make sure your chicken pieces are similar in thickness after cutting them horizontally.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to ensure it spreads easily without tearing the chicken.
Squeeze Your Spinach: After wilting, press out any excess moisture from the spinach to prevent a watery casserole.
Check Early: Start checking the chicken temperature around the 20-minute mark, as thinner pieces will cook faster. Overcooking will dry out the chicken.
Broil Finish: For an extra golden, slightly crispy cheese top, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking (watch carefully!).

How to Serve

This versatile casserole pairs wonderfully with so many sides:

For Low-Carb Meals:

Serve alongside cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli, or a fresh green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon.

Traditional Pairings:

Garlic bread, buttered noodles, or roasted potatoes make this a heartier meal.

Make It Special:

Add a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor that complements the creamy chicken perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the ingredients meld together!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble completely but don’t bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave at 70% power for 2-3 minutes. For larger amounts, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes).

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw completely and squeeze out all excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. You’ll need about 1 cup of frozen spinach once it’s thawed and squeezed dry.
My cream cheese is clumping when I try to spread it. What am I doing wrong?

The cream cheese needs to be truly softened to spread easily. If you’re in a hurry, unwrap it and microwave in 10-second intervals until it’s spreadable but not melted. You can also try spreading it with the back of a spoon rather than a knife.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?

With approximately 5g of carbs per serving, this recipe is perfect for keto or low-carb diets. Just be sure to pair it with low-carb sides to maintain your macros.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella might just become your new weeknight hero. It’s the perfect blend of simple and special – easy enough for busy evenings but impressive enough for company. The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender chicken creates a comfort food experience that’s actually good for you! Give it a try tonight, and watch it quickly become a requested favorite in your household.