Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake for Cozy Weeknight Comfort Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake is the perfect cozy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are topped with a luscious mixture of spinach, ricotta, and cream, then baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients and have your baking dish ready.
- 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.
- Step 3: Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed spinach and garlic with ricotta cheese, cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir until creamy.
- Step 5: Layer chicken breasts in a baking dish, season with salt and pepper.
- Step 6: Spread creamy spinach mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Step 7: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 8: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, ensuring chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Step 9: Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy cheese topping.
- Step 10: Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For quicker prep, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw breasts.
- Try substituting ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version with similar texture.
- Use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available; just thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking.
- To make this dairy-free, substitute the cream with coconut or almond cream and use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the spinach mixture for a bright flavor boost.
Storage
Store 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 moist and the cheese creamy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. Frozen chicken might release excess water and cook unevenly.
What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake?
This bake pairs well with steamed rice, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Print
Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake for Cozy Weeknight Comfort Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake is a comforting and hearty weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious spinach and ricotta cream sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for those seeking a cozy, flavorful meal that combines creamy textures and savory Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound Chicken Breast
Dairy and Cream
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Cream
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups Spinach (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
Others
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking dish for assembling the bake.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Prepare Creamy Spinach Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and garlic with ricotta cheese, cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Layer Spinach Mixture: Evenly spread the creamy spinach mixture over the chicken breasts, covering them thoroughly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the cream and spinach layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
- Broil for Crispiness: To achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for raw chicken breasts to reduce preparation and cooking time.
- For a lighter version, use cottage cheese instead of ricotta.
- Dairy-free alternatives such as coconut or almond cream and dairy-free cheeses can be used to make the recipe suitable for lactose intolerance.
- Frozen spinach should be fully thawed and excess moisture squeezed out before cooking.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to at least 165°F (75°C) to guarantee safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Florentine, creamy chicken bake, spinach and ricotta chicken, easy weeknight dinner, baked chicken recipe
