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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish where the chicken will be layered and baked.
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.
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.
Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Season them evenly with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Bake: Spread the creamy spinach mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring full coverage.
Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the creamy spinach layer to create a cheesy top layer.
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.
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.
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