Florentine Stuffed Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a savory spinach and Parmesan filling, baked with marinara sauce and melted cheese—perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and drained chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped onion; mix thoroughly.
- Use a sharp knife to make a pocket in the side of each chicken breast.
- Stuff each chicken breast with 1/4 cup of the spinach and cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the chicken with spaghetti sauce.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs to the spinach and cheese mixture. If you don't have Parmesan, Gruyère or mozzarella can be substituted. For a twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for extra depth. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the spinach as possible to avoid a watery filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Florentine Stuffed Chicken with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Pasta With Lemon Cream And Prosciutto, adding a delightful contrast to the dish. For an Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light risotto.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Florentine Stuffed Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain the chicken's moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florentine Stuffed Chicken contains roughly 643 calories, with 35g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 963mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 10 oz. of fresh spinach, which should be sautéed until wilted and then drained to remove excess moisture. This will add a vibrant flavor and texture to the filling.
What can I substitute for the spaghetti sauce?
If you don't have spaghetti sauce, marinara or another tomato-based sauce works well. Alternatively, a homemade sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs can add a personal touch. Just ensure it's seasoned to your liking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts and place them in the baking dish ahead of time. Cover them and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).