Low-Carb High Protein Italian Chicken and Spinach Bake

 

Low-Carb High Protein Italian Chicken and Spinach Bake

This Italian chicken and spinach bake is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken breasts with fresh spinach and a blend of Italian herbs. It's a simple one-pan meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners.

The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized with your favorite cheeses or additional vegetables to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients That Shine

The Italian chicken and spinach bake is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients that come together to create a wholesome meal.

At the heart of this dish are tender chicken breasts, which serve as a protein-packed base.

Complementing the chicken are vibrant green spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes, adding both color and nutrition.

To enhance the flavors, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese is used, providing a creamy, melty topping that brings the dish to life.

Seasoning with Italian herbs and garlic elevates the overall taste, making each bite a savory experience.

Preparation Steps Made Simple

Preparing this dish is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

Begin by preheating the oven to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse them with flavor.

Next, sauté the spinach with minced garlic until it wilts, which only takes a few minutes.

This step not only enhances the taste but also ensures the spinach retains its vibrant color in the final dish.

Assembling the Bake

Once the chicken is seasoned and the spinach is sautéed, it’s time to assemble the bake.

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a rustic baking dish, creating a cozy presentation.

Top each breast with the sautéed spinach and halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor and color.

The final touch involves sprinkling the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top, ensuring a cheesy, golden finish.

Baking to Perfection

Baking is where the magic happens, transforming the raw ingredients into a comforting dish.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial baking phase.

After about 25 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown, which typically takes an additional 10-15 minutes.

The result is a beautifully baked dish that is both visually appealing and aromatic.

Serving Suggestions

Once the bake is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the cheesy goodness.

A fresh side salad can also complement the meal, adding a refreshing crunch.

The inviting colors and aromas make it an ideal centerpiece for family dinners, encouraging everyone to gather around the table.

Nutritional Benefits

This Italian chicken and spinach bake is not only delicious but also nutritious.

Each serving provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins from the spinach and tomatoes.

With approximately 320 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a dish to impress guests, this bake checks all the boxes.

Easy Italian Chicken and Spinach Bake Recipe

A delicious Italian Chicken and Spinach Bake with melted cheese and fresh ingredients.

This dish features chicken breasts baked with spinach, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, topped with melted cheese. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  3. Sauté Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble the Bake: In a baking dish, place the seasoned chicken breasts. Top each breast with the sautéed spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot, paired with a side salad or crusty bread.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 320kcal
  • Fat: 15g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g

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