Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake for Cozy Weeknight Comfort Recipe

ByLily Cross
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Introduction

This Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake is the perfect cozy weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are layered with a luscious spinach and ricotta mixture, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Two thick, golden-brown seared chicken breasts sit on a bed of creamy sautéed dark green spinach. Each chicken piece is topped with a smooth, pale yellow cheese sauce with browned spots and small green herb bits scattered on top. The sauce spreads onto the white plate, blending with the creamy spinach underneath, creating a rich, glistening look. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Chicken Breast (Substituting with rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time.)
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Cottage cheese can work as a lighter alternative.)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Dairy-free cheese can be used as a substitute.)
  • 2 cups Spinach (Frozen spinach is a great substitute; thaw and squeeze out moisture.)
  • 1/2 cup Cream (Use coconut cream or almond cream for dairy-free.)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Fresh garlic is recommended, but garlic powder can be an alternative.)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can add brightness.)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients and have your baking dish ready.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed spinach and garlic with ricotta cheese, cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir until creamy.
  5. Step 5: Layer chicken breasts in a baking dish, season with salt and pepper.
  6. Step 6: Spread creamy spinach mixture evenly over the chicken.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Step 8: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, ensuring chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C).
  9. Step 9: Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy cheese topping.
  10. Step 10: Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time on prep without sacrificing flavor.
  • Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lighter dish.
  • Try frozen spinach when fresh isn’t available; just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water.
  • For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Fresh basil or oregano can be added instead of Italian seasoning for a fresh herbal boost.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

Two thick pieces of cooked fish sit on a base of wilted dark green spinach with a creamy yellow sauce covering the spinach and partially soaking the plate. Each fish piece is topped with a browned, bubbly layer of melted cheese mixed with small bits of green herbs, creating a slightly crispy texture. The fish looks tender and moist, with a light golden color on the sides. All elements rest on a clean white plate with a smooth white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure they are fully thawed before layering and baking to ensure even cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to the point before baking, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

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Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake for Cozy Weeknight Comfort Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake is the perfect cozy weeknight comfort dish. Featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich blend of ricotta, cream, garlic, spinach, and Italian seasoning, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s easy to prepare and combines creamy textures with savory flavors for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless)

Cheese & Cream

  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter alternative)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, dairy-free cheese can be used)
  • 1/2 cup Cream (can substitute with coconut or almond cream for dairy-free version)

Vegetables & Seasonings

  • 2 cups Spinach (fresh, or frozen thawed and squeezed dry)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced, fresh preferred or garlic powder as alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (or fresh basil/oregano for brightness)
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish where the chicken will be layered and baked.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare Creamy Spinach Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed garlic and spinach with ricotta cheese, cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until the mixture becomes creamy and evenly blended.
  4. Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Season them evenly with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Assemble the Bake: Spread the creamy spinach mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring full coverage.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the creamy spinach layer to create a cheesy top layer.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) ensuring it’s fully cooked.
  8. Broil for Crispiness: Switch the oven to broil and broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will give the mozzarella a golden, crispy cheese topping. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save prep time; just layer it in place of raw chicken and reduce baking time accordingly.
  • Frozen spinach can be used. Just be sure to thaw fully and squeeze out excess moisture before sautéing.
  • For a lighter dish, substitute cottage cheese for ricotta and use low-fat cream.
  • Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic but adjust quantity to taste as powder is more concentrated.
  • A dairy-free version can be made by using coconut or almond cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken Florentine, Creamy Chicken Bake, Spinach Chicken Bake, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner

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