Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
This Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Parmesan is a decadent, 30-minute dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a rich, herbed cream cheese and spinach mixture, then baked under a blanket of marinara and melted mozzarella. It’s a comforting, cheesy main dish perfect for busy weeknights. For another quick, cheesy favorite, try the Ultimate Cheesy Beef Patty Melts Recipe.
PrintChicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Oven-baked chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella, breaded with Parmesan and cracker crumbs, then topped with marinara sauce and more cheese for a crispy, juicy Chicken Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Method: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 6 thin chicken breasts (pound thicker ones to thin)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed, drained, and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 6 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated, divided
- 1 egg, beaten
- 10 RITZ Crackers, crushed
- Pasta sauce (marinara), warmed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Place crushed cracker crumbs and remaining 3 tbsp Parmesan in a shallow dish. Spread cheese-spinach mixture onto each chicken breast, roll up tightly, and secure with a toothpick. Dip each bundle in beaten egg, then roll in crumb-cheese mixture to coat evenly.
- Place chicken bundles seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 30 minutes. Remove toothpicks, top with warm pasta sauce and remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and return to oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes after adding cheese. Use fresh spinach if preferred, sautéed and chopped. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese up to a day in advance. Keep the stuffed, breaded chicken cutlets covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them. This makes it a convenient option for easy weeknight dinners or entertaining.
What can I use instead of cream cheese for the stuffing?
For a different flavor, you can substitute the cream cheese with an equal amount of ricotta or a blend of ricotta and shredded mozzarella. This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese recipe is adaptable, but using a soft, spreadable cheese helps maintain the creamy filling texture.
How do I prevent the breading from getting soggy during baking?
For a crispier crust, ensure the stuffed chicken is thoroughly coated in breadcrumbs and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the entire cutlet. You can also briefly pan-sear the breaded chicken before baking to lock in that golden texture.
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