Spinach and Chicken Italian is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breast with spinach and a rich tomato pasta sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal. Follow this guide to create a delightful Spinach and Chicken Italian that will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of tomato pasta sauce, either store-bought or homemade
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut or pounded into ½-inch thick slices
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 bag (10 ounces) of frozen spinach, defrosted and drained, or 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breast slices with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breast slices to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Spinach
- Cook Fresh Spinach: If using fresh spinach, add it to the same skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and drained well.
- Drain Excess Liquid: If there is any excess liquid from the spinach, drain it to avoid a watery dish.
Assemble the Dish
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato pasta sauce on the bottom. Pour tomato sauce into a baking dish and place the cooked chicken slices on top.. Spread the cooked spinach evenly over the chicken slices.
- Add Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining tomato pasta sauce over the spinach and chicken.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
Bake the Dish
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through.
- Broil (Optional): For a golden brown and slightly crispy cheese topping, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Serve
- Cool Slightly: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Spinach and Chicken Italian hot, with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
This Italian Spinach and Chicken bake is a delectable blend of tender chicken, healthy spinach, and rich tomato sauce, finished with melted mozzarella cheese. Quick to make and packed with flavor, it’s destined to be a family favorite. Relish the delicious taste and ease of this satisfying meal. Happy cooking!