Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love? Then look no further! This Chicken Spinach Mozzarella Cheese recipe is your answer. It's packed with flavor, bursting with fresh ingredients, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend supper, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Wilt the Spinach and Simmer the Sauce:
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to combine. Top the mixture with the sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese (if using). Cover the skillet and cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Dish:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish.
- To make this recipe even quicker, use pre-chopped onions and garlic.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Spinach Mozzarella: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with 1 cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients used are gluten-free.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of protein and several essential vitamins and minerals. Nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. A reasonable estimate for a serving would be around 350-400 calories, with a significant amount of protein and moderate levels of fat and carbohydrates. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with the specific brands of ingredients you use.
This Chicken Spinach Mozzarella Cheese recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a healthy and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!