Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare? Meet the Sundried Tomato and Spinach Chicken – a mouthwatering Italian-inspired recipe that promises to impress your family and friends alike! With tender chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce made from fresh spinach and tangy sundried tomatoes, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into the details and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the sundried tomatoes and rinse the fresh spinach under cold water. Pat the spinach dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the chicken. This will ensure the oven is hot and ready when you need to bake the dish.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped sundried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are heated through.
- Lower the heat and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and combined with the spinach and sundried tomatoes, creating a creamy mixture.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach and sundried tomato mixture over the top of each piece. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the chicken.
- Serve the sundried tomato and spinach chicken hot, garnished with additional fresh spinach or herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your sundried tomatoes and rinse your spinach ahead of time. This way, you can focus on cooking without interruptions.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that it’s cooked through while remaining juicy.
- Sautéing Technique: When sautéing the spinach and sundried tomatoes, don’t rush the process. Allow the spinach to wilt completely to enhance the flavors and create a rich sauce.
- Creamy Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the cream cheese mixture. This will create a lighter, more pourable sauce.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Adding a sprinkle of parmesan or using a blend of cheeses can take this dish to the next level.
- Garnish for Flair: For an extra touch, garnish your finished dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Not only does it add color, but it also enhances the flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad to create a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 140mg
