This Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese & Mozzarella is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Juicy chicken breasts are baked under a luscious layer of cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach — creating a rich, velvety sauce that melts into every bite. I once added a sprinkle of crushed red pepper and a few cherry tomatoes for a pop of flavor and color — it turned out restaurant-worthy! Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this casserole delivers flavor, comfort, and elegance all in one pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy, hearty, and full of flavor. The tender chicken, creamy spinach mixture, and gooey melted mozzarella make every bite comforting and delicious. It’s a one-dish meal that’s low-carb, kid-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. The best part? It uses simple ingredients and takes minimal effort — just mix, bake, and enjoy. You’ll love how the cream cheese makes the sauce rich without being heavy, while the spinach adds a touch of freshness and nutrition.
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Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese & Mozzarella
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese & Mozzarella is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich spinach and cream cheese mixture, topped with melty mozzarella, and baked to perfection — a family-favorite weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, spinach, and minced garlic. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes if desired.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- This dish reheats beautifully — store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The base of the casserole; tender and juicy when baked under the creamy topping.
Fresh Spinach – Adds color, nutrients, and freshness to balance the creamy sauce.
Cream Cheese – Softened and mixed into the sauce for richness and a smooth texture.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully on top for that perfect golden, gooey layer.
Garlic – Adds aromatic depth to the creamy sauce.
Olive Oil or Butter – Used to sauté the spinach and garlic.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
Italian Seasoning – Brings a savory herb flavor that complements the cheeses perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Adds sharp, salty richness to the creamy topping.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For a subtle spicy kick.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the Spinach Mixture
In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
Make the Creamy Topping
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cooked spinach, Parmesan (if using), and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Casserole
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you prefer a golden-brown top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. This casserole also freezes well — cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Spinach Casserole
Add crumbled cooked bacon for extra smokiness and crunch.
Mushroom Spinach Version
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the spinach for added texture and umami flavor.
Keto-Friendly Option
This recipe is naturally low-carb — perfect for keto meals as is!
Tomato Basil Twist
Top with sliced cherry tomatoes and fresh basil before baking for an Italian-inspired version.
Four-Cheese Blend
Mix mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan for an ultra-cheesy result.
Creamy Alfredo Version
Replace the cream cheese with Alfredo sauce for a different kind of creamy richness.
Spicy Kick
Add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Spinach Artichoke Style
Add chopped artichoke hearts to the spinach mixture for a restaurant-style twist.
Garlic Herb Casserole
Use extra garlic and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic flavor.
Vegetable Add-In
Mix in roasted bell peppers or zucchini for a heartier meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out all excess water before mixing with the cream cheese.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely — they’ll be even juicier, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cover the casserole loosely with foil if baking longer or check internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
Can I add pasta or rice?
Yes, serve it over cooked pasta or rice for a complete meal.
What cheese melts best on top?
Mozzarella gives the best stretch, but provolone or Monterey Jack are also great options.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and mozzarella alternatives.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish — perfect for family gatherings.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 3–4 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
What side dishes go well with it?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad pair beautifully.
Conclusion
This Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese & Mozzarella is creamy, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy — the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with the first bite. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy nights or cozy dinners. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella come together in harmony, proving that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Once you try it, it’ll become a weeknight favorite in your kitchen rotation.
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