Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

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Step 2: Season Chicken

Mix together:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning

Toss chicken cubes until evenly coated.

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Step 3: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken 3–4 minutes.

It doesn’t need to be fully cooked.

Remove from skillet.

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Step 4: Cook Vegetables

In the same pan:

• Add garlic.
• Cook 30 seconds.
• Add spinach.
• Cook until wilted.
• Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

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Step 5: Make Cream Sauce

Reduce heat.

Add:

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan

Stir until smooth.

Mix in half of the mozzarella.

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Step 6: Combine

Fold chicken into sauce.

Mix well.

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Step 7: Bake

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

Top with remaining mozzarella.

Bake:

35–40 minutes

until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Broil 2–3 minutes for a browned cheesy top if desired.

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Step 8: Rest

Let stand 5–10 minutes before serving.

Garnish with parsley or basil.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Buttered pasta
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Cauliflower rice (low-carb)
• Fresh salad

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Storage

Refrigerator

3–4 days

Freezer

Up to 3 months

Thaw overnight before reheating.

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Reheating

Microwave:
2–3 minutes

Oven:
350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes

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Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

Nutrition varies depending on brands and exact ingredient amounts.

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Allergen Information

This recipe contains:

• ✅ Milk (cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, heavy cream)
• May contain soy (some cheeses or oil-packed tomatoes)
• Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free
• Egg-free
• Peanut-free
• Tree nut-free
• Shellfish-free
• Fish-free

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Recipe Variations

Keto

Use full-fat dairy and avoid serving with pasta or bread.

Low-Carb

Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Spicy

Add:

• Red pepper flakes
• Cayenne
• Diced jalapeños

Mushroom Version

Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the spinach.

Bacon Version

Mix in 6 slices cooked, crumbled bacon.

Extra Cheesy

Add:

• Provolone
• Fontina
• Gouda

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes. Thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs stay especially juicy.

Can I prepare it ahead?

Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.

Why is my sauce watery?

Common causes:

• Frozen spinach not drained
• Chicken released excess liquid
• Low-fat cream cheese
• Sauce not reduced enough before baking

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Half-and-half is a better substitute.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella for melting and Parmesan for flavor. Monterey Jack, provolone, or fontina also work well.

How do I know the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, then top with mozzarella and melt before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all packaged ingredients (especially seasonings and sun-dried tomatoes) are certified gluten-free.