Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: (About 2 pounds) – The lean protein base of our dish, providing a tender and juicy texture when baked.
- Fresh Spinach: (10 ounces) – The star vegetable, adding a vibrant green color, earthy flavor, and a wealth of nutrients to the creamy sauce. Frozen spinach can be used as a substitute, but fresh spinach provides a better texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese: (4 ounces, softened) – The secret to the creamy sauce, adding richness, tanginess, and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Heavy Cream: (1/2 cup) – Enhances the creaminess of the sauce, creating a luxurious and decadent mouthfeel.
- Garlic: (3 cloves, minced) – Aromatic and pungent, garlic provides a foundational savory flavor that complements both the chicken and spinach.
- Yellow Onion: (1/2 medium, diced) – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce, creating a savory base.
- Parmesan Cheese: (1/2 cup, grated) – Provides a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor, contributing to the overall savory profile and creating a golden, cheesy topping when baked.
- Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) – Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a healthy fat and preventing sticking while cooking.
- Salt: (To taste) – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Black Pepper: (To taste) – Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Paprika: (1 teaspoon) – Contributes a mild, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor, as well as a vibrant color to the chicken.
- Italian Seasoning: (1 teaspoon) – A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, adding a classic Italian flavor profile to the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your chicken breasts. If they are very thick, consider pounding them slightly to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) to ensure even cooking. This will help them cook through at the same rate and prevent the edges from drying out before the center is cooked.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Ensure each breast is evenly coated with the spices to maximize flavor in every bite. The paprika will add a lovely color and subtle smokiness, while the Italian seasoning provides a classic, herbaceous note.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cast iron skillets work wonderfully for this recipe as they retain heat well and can go directly from stovetop to oven. Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add Spinach and Cook Down: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and squeezed dry before adding. As you add the spinach, it will seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly as it cooks. Stir frequently until the spinach is wilted and reduced in volume, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Cooking down the spinach removes excess moisture and concentrates its flavor.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the spinach mixture. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the spinach, creating a smooth and creamy base. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, ensuring the sauce is well-balanced and flavorful.
- Place Chicken in Skillet and Top with Sauce: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet on top of the creamy spinach sauce. You can gently nestle them into the sauce or simply place them on top. Ensure the chicken is somewhat submerged or at least coated with the creamy spinach mixture. Spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered. This will keep the chicken moist during baking and infuse it with the creamy spinach flavor.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and creamy spinach mixture. The Parmesan cheese will melt and create a delicious golden-brown crust in the oven, adding a salty and nutty finish to the dish.
- Bake in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breast to ensure it is fully cooked. The Parmesan cheese should be melted, golden brown, and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 50g