Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan for building the sauce.
- In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet with mushrooms and garlic, then add remaining Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using, stirring to combine.
- Bring the cream mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Add fresh spinach leaves to the cream sauce and stir until wilted and incorporated, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella and half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of the sauce in a single layer, spacing them evenly in the dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over and around the chicken breasts, ensuring they're well covered with the creamy mushroom spinach mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top of the entire dish for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to reabsorb its juices.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot with your choice of low-carb sides.
Notes
This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Add a splash of cream when reheating to refresh the sauce. For extra flavor, top with crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts before serving.
