Creamy Tuscan Baked Spinach and Chicken Recipe
This Creamy Tuscan Baked Spinach and Chicken recipe brings a touch of Italy to your dinner table, combining succulent chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy sauce made from spinach, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a medley of herbs. Baked to perfection, the chicken absorbs the flavors of the rich sauce while staying moist and tender.
The dish is an ideal choice for a weeknight meal, yet it’s elegant enough to serve to guests on a special occasion. The creamy sauce, which is a blend of cream, garlic, parmesan cheese, and herbs, complements the chicken perfectly, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.
Introduction
Inspired by traditional Tuscan flavors, Creamy Tuscan Baked Spinach and Chicken is a dish that is rich, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of chicken and creamy spinach sauce is a classic pairing, but when paired with the aromatic flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, it becomes something truly special.
In Italy, Tuscan cooking is known for its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients that are combined simply yet effectively. The addition of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes brings both color and depth of flavor to this dish, making it a perfect meal for a cozy evening or a special dinner.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can adjust the creaminess, spice level, and ingredient ratios to suit your personal preferences. Whether served with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad, this dish will surely become a family favorite.
Tools You Will Need
To prepare this dish, you will need a few essential kitchen tools to make the process easier and more efficient:
- Large skillet – To sauté the chicken and cook the sauce.
- Baking dish – To bake the chicken in the creamy sauce.
- Cutting board and knife – For chopping garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the ingredients and scraping the skillet.
- Measuring spoons and cups – To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Tongs or kitchen tongs – To flip the chicken while cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients and tools ready, let’s walk through the process of preparing this Creamy Tuscan Baked Spinach and Chicken dish step-by-step.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This basic seasoning will enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. You can also sprinkle a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning on top for added flavor, but keep it simple to allow the sauce to shine.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The goal here is to get a nice sear on the outside of the chicken, as it will finish cooking in the oven later.
Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the tomatoes to soften. The sun-dried tomatoes will infuse the sauce with a tangy, savory depth.
Next, add the spinach to the skillet. If you’re using fresh spinach, stir it around until it wilts down, which will take about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s well-drained and add it to the pan, stirring it through the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Once the spinach is mixed in, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the cream to come to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and lemon juice, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be creamy and thick, with the cheese fully melted into the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy sauce, ensuring that each piece of chicken is surrounded by the sauce. If your skillet is not oven-safe, you can transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish at this point.
Make sure the chicken is nestled into the sauce so that it is covered. This will ensure the chicken stays juicy and flavorful as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be bubbling and slightly golden on top when the dish is ready.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish the creamy Tuscan baked chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a fresh flavor contrast. Serve the dish immediately while hot.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Tuscan Baked Spinach and Chicken
- Don’t overcook the chicken: The chicken should be seared first and baked until just cooked through. Overcooking will lead to dry chicken, so make sure to monitor the internal temperature.
- Use fresh spinach: While frozen spinach works, fresh spinach wilts down beautifully and adds a lovely texture to the sauce.
- Customize the sauce: Feel free to add other ingredients like mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Use a cast-iron skillet: A heavy, oven-safe skillet is ideal for this recipe because it helps retain heat and ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Tuscan Baked Spinach and Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with many side dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots make an excellent side dish. The vegetables can be roasted alongside the chicken for a simple, easy meal.
- On a Bed of Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne pasta for a filling, comforting meal.
- With Rice: Serve the creamy chicken with a side of fluffy rice—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- With a Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- Use a different protein: Instead of chicken, you can use boneless pork chops or even fish fillets like tilapia or salmon.
- Low-carb version: Skip the pasta and serve the chicken with a cauliflower mash or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb alternative.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking, but if you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just store the assembled dish in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tuscan Baked Spinach and Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of richness and flavor, with tender chicken breasts baked in a creamy spinach sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese add depth to the sauce, while the garlic and herbs bring an aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it on a weeknight, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite of this Tuscan-inspired delight!
Creamy Tuscan Baked Spinach and Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or fresh basil and oregano)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. - Prepare Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides. - Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown (they don’t need to be cooked through yet). Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the chicken broth (or white wine) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. - Add Spinach & Cream:
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until wilted. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and cook until the sauce is thickened, about 3-5 minutes. - Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Add the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken if using. - Bake:
Transfer the skillet (or move the chicken and sauce to a baking dish) into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sauce is bubbly. - Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken over rice, pasta, or with a side of garlic bread.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the chicken with a vegetarian protein, such as tofu or tempeh, if preferred.
- Cheese: Feel free to adjust the cheese amounts to your preference. You can also try adding a little cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Spices: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some spice.