Description
A comforting and creamy spinach and chicken bake that’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are baked in a rich, cheesy spinach sauce creating a deliciously satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the creamy spinach sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and bake: Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the creamy spinach sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, making sure to thaw and drain excess water beforehand.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
