Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake for Cozy Weeknight Comfort Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Victor
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking dish for assembling the bake.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  5. Layer Spinach Mixture: Evenly spread the creamy spinach mixture over the chicken breasts, covering them thoroughly.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the cream and spinach layer.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://tastywithvictor.com/creamy-chicken-florentine-bake-for-cozy-weeknight-comfort-recipe/