Introduction

This Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are topped with a rich spinach and ricotta mixture, then baked with melted mozzarella for a satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

Two pieces of cooked white fish sit on a layer of creamy cooked spinach, all placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. Each piece of fish is topped with a thick, golden-brown melted cheese sauce that has small bits of green herbs sprinkled across the surface. The sauce flows slightly over the edges of the fish, mixing with the spinach and creamy base underneath. The fish has a lightly browned texture on the sides, showing it is pan-seared, and the cream sauce has a slightly glossy shine from the melted cheese and butter. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast (rotisserie chicken can be used to save prep time)
1 cup ricotta cheese (cottage cheese works as a lighter alternative)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (dairy-free cheese can be substituted)
2 cups spinach (frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, is a good substitute)
1/2 cup cream (coconut cream or almond cream for dairy-free options)
2 cloves garlic (fresh is recommended; garlic powder can be used instead)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (fresh basil or oregano can add brightness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients and prepare a baking dish.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach and garlic with ricotta cheese, cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Spread the creamy spinach mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Step 7: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 9: Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to brown and crisp the cheese topping.
Step 10: Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Using rotisserie chicken cuts down cooking time and makes the dish easier for busy nights.
For a lighter version, substitute ricotta with cottage cheese and use low-fat cream.
Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra brightness and flavor.
Try using dairy-free cheeses and creams to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Thaw frozen spinach completely and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overheating the chicken.

How to Serve

This image shows two pieces of cooked chicken breast placed on a bed of cooked dark green spinach, all served on a white plate with a white marbled texture. The chicken is covered with a thick, creamy, light yellow cheese sauce that has melted and browned slightly on top, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The sauce also spreads around the spinach, creating a rich and smooth appearance. The chicken looks juicy with a slightly golden and seared surface underneath the cheese topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach is a great alternative. Be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the dish from becoming watery.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method to ensure doneness.