Creamy Spinach Chicken Parmesan Bake
Indulge in a creamy and savory twist on the classic chicken parmesan with this delightful recipe featuring tender chicken breast topped with a luscious spinach and parmesan mixture. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of freshly grated parmesan and nutmeg adds depth and richness, while the sautéed onions and optional pimiento lend a burst of flavor. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal, and enjoy the delightful harmony of flavors in this nutritious dish. Perfect for families or couples, this recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings!
N/A
Servings
320
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
parmesan cheese
2/3 cup (freshly grated)
Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (crushed)
chicken breast fillets
2 (skinless)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
margarine
1 tablespoon (to melt)
all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (for roux)
skim milk
1/2 cup (added to sauce)
frozen spinach
5 ounces (thawed, drained, and chopped)
pimiento
1 tablespoon (chopped (optional))
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
nutmeg
1 teaspoon (grated (more to taste))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine half of the freshly grated parmesan cheese with the crushed Italian seasoning to create a flavorful coating.
3
Roll each chicken breast fillet in the cheese mixture, ensuring they are lightly coated on all sides.
4
Arrange the coated chicken fillets in a small baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
5
In a small saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
6
Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for an additional minute to form a roux.
7
Gradually add the skim milk, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes bubbly and thickened.
8
Incorporate the thawed, drained, and chopped spinach into the sauce along with the minced garlic and optional pimiento. Season with salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg to taste.
9
Spoon the creamy spinach mixture evenly over the chicken fillets in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top for a delicious crust.
10
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
11
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
16g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach Chicken Parmesan Bake?
It is a creamy and savory twist on the classic chicken parmesan recipe featuring tender chicken breast topped with a luscious spinach and parmesan mixture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How many calories are in this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 320 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This chicken bake provides 25g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in the Creamy Spinach Chicken Parmesan Bake?
There are 15g of fat in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This recipe contains 16g of carbohydrates.
What ingredients are needed for the chicken coating?
The coating consists of half of the freshly grated parmesan cheese mixed with crushed Italian seasoning.
How many chicken breast fillets does this recipe use?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 skinless chicken breast fillets.
How do I prepare the spinach for this recipe?
Use 5 ounces of frozen spinach that has been thawed, drained, and chopped.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it registers an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
Bake the chicken uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I make the sauce for the spinach mixture?
Sauté chopped onion in margarine, stir in flour to make a roux, and gradually add skim milk until thickened.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Is the pimiento mandatory for this dish?
No, the 1 tablespoon of chopped pimiento is optional but adds a burst of flavor.
What kind of milk should I use for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of skim milk.
How much nutmeg should I add to the spinach mixture?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg, but you can add more to taste.
What should I serve with this chicken bake?
It is delicious when served with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
How do I prepare the garlic?
One garlic clove should be crushed and incorporated into the spinach sauce.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled to accommodate larger gatherings or families.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
No, the chicken should be baked uncovered.
What type of chicken breast is used?
The recipe requires skinless chicken breast fillets.
How do I ensure the chicken is evenly cooked?
Arrange the coated chicken fillets in a small baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart.
What seasonings are used in the spinach mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with salt, pepper, grated nutmeg, and crushed garlic.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the full flavor harmony.
How much Italian seasoning is required?
You will need 1/4 teaspoon of crushed Italian seasoning for the chicken coating.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The flour is used to form a roux with the margarine, which thickens the sauce.
How much parmesan cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is designed to be easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
How do I apply the cheese coating to the chicken?
Roll each chicken breast fillet in the parmesan and Italian seasoning mixture until lightly coated on all sides.