Chicken breasts, spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and garlic make this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole a rich, cozy, and simple dinner favorite.
Let’s talk real life for a sec.
You ever hit that moment around, oh… 5:37 pm, when you realize you forgot to plan dinner? Yeah. Me too. More times than I’d like to admit actually.
That was exactly the situation I was in the first time I made this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole. I had chicken. I had spinach. I had cream cheese (because hello, cheese hoarder over here). But did I have motivation? Not really.
Takeout was this close to happening. But then I thought — what if I just… threw it all together? Not in a “this could be gourmet” way. More like, “please just taste decent and save me from ordering pizza again” way.
Spoiler alert: It didn’t just work. It worked worked.
The chicken came out tender. The spinach melted perfectly into the creamy, cheesy mixture. And that golden top? Oh. Yes. Comfort food achieved — and without me needing to leave the house or spend hours cooking.
Now? This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is basically my go-to when I need something warm, easy, and not boring. And honestly? I think you’ll feel the same once you try it.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe?
Okay, so I’m not saying this creamy chicken and spinach casserole will solve all your problems. But when you’re starving, tired, and need something cozy fast? It comes pretty close.
Here’s why I love it:
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It’s stupid simple. Like, “barely need to think about it” simple.
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It looks fancy-ish. No one needs to know it only took you 15 minutes to throw together.
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It’s crazy flexible. Got extra cheese? Throw it in. Prefer kale to spinach? Swap it. You do you.
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It makes killer leftovers. Not every recipe gets better the next day. This one? It kinda does.
And if you’re the type who loves recipes that feel forgiving — meaning you can mess up a little and it still turns out great — this one’s for you.
Ingredient Notes:
Before you dive in, let me just say — no hard-to-find ingredients here. It’s all basic stuff.
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Chicken breasts (2 large) → Sliced into thinner cutlets so they cook evenly and faster.
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Olive oil (2 tbsp, divided) → One for marinating, one for wilting spinach.
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Garlic (3 cloves) → Fresh or jarred. I’m not judging.
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Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) → Adds that nice herb touch.
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Salt + pepper (1/2 tsp each) → Basic but essential.
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Fresh spinach (2 cups) → Because green things are good, right?
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Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) → The creamy, dreamy base.
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Mozzarella (1 cup, divided) → For the gooey factor and topping.
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Parmesan (1/2 cup, optional) → But highly recommended because cheese is life.
How To Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole?
Step 1: Preheat the oven.
400°F. Standard stuff. Grease your baking dish so nothing sticks.
Step 2: Prep the chicken.
Cut your chicken breasts in half horizontally. Pound slightly if they’re uneven (I usually grab a rolling pin because why not).
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Step 3: Marinate quickly.
Mix olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and let it chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. No stress if you forget — I’ve skipped this and it was still delicious.
Step 4: Wilt the spinach.
Quick skillet time. Heat the rest of the olive oil, toss in spinach, stir until wilted. Done in like 2 minutes.
Step 5: Make the creamy filling.
Beat the cream cheese until smooth (or… mostly smooth — no judgment if you skip perfection). Add spinach, half the mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir. Try not to eat it right then and there.
Step 6: Assemble.
Lay the chicken in the baking dish. Spread the creamy mixture over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella.
Step 7: Bake.
Pop it in the oven for 20-30 minutes. You want melty, bubbly cheese and fully cooked chicken. Let it cool for 5 minutes before digging in… if you can wait. (I usually can’t.)
Storage Options:
If you don’t eat the whole thing in one sitting (which honestly could happen)…
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Fridge: Airtight container, 3-4 days.
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Freezer: Yep. It freezes well, though the creaminess might change just slightly. Still great.
Pro tip? Leftovers make a killer lunch the next day.
Variations and Substitutions:
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole doesn’t mind if you get creative:
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Swap the greens. Kale, chard, even arugula. All welcome.
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Switch up the cheese. Cheddar? Gouda? Do it.
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Spice it up. Add red pepper flakes to the filling if you like a little heat.
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Add extras. Cooked pasta or rice layered underneath makes it even heartier.
Basically? This recipe is your canvas. Go wild.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole?
You could totally eat this solo, but if you want sides:
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Garlic bread → For scooping up that melty cheese.
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Simple salad → Because balance.
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Steamed veggies → If you wanna feel virtuous.
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Wine or iced tea → Depending on your mood.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen spinach?
Totally. Just thaw and drain well. You don’t want watery casserole.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble it all, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Best way to reheat?
Microwave works, but I love the oven for bringing back that crispy, bubbly top.
So yeah… this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole? It’s comfort food at its finest. Easy, cozy, and one of those recipes that always hits the spot — especially on those nights when you just can’t deal with complicated.
Whether you follow it exactly, jazz it up with extras, or skip the searing step (I’ve done all three — no shame), it always comes through. Honestly, it kinda feels like a warm hug on a plate. And who doesn’t need that sometimes?
So, are you gonna try it? What will you add? Extra cheese? Mushrooms? I definitely want to hear how yours turns out — drop your spin in the comments!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ingredients
- 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
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
Prepare the oven and baking dish.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Prepare the chicken breasts.
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. Pound the thicker portions gently with a rolling pin to achieve even thickness throughout.
Marinate the chicken.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cutlets, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Cook the spinach.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté, stirring frequently, until wilted, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the creamy filling.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Incorporate the cooked spinach, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese (if using), mixing until well combined and creamy.
Assemble the casserole.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and allow any excess marinade to drip off. If desired, sear the chicken in a skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side for added flavor and color. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Add the creamy spinach mixture.
- Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the arranged chicken cutlets. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake the casserole.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese has melted and developed a light golden color. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!