Description

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner idea that’s indulgent yet simple to make? This Smothered Baked Chicken with Creamed Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is your answer. Juicy seared chicken breasts are baked in a rich, velvety cream sauce packed with garlicky spinach, smoky bacon, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for an easy dinner, date night, or meal prep, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen without the hassle. Whether you’re after a quick dinner, a creamy low-carb recipe, or fresh food ideas for weeknights, this one-pan meal checks every box.

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

4 cups fresh spinach

1⁄2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and sliced)

1 cup heavy cream

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 strips bacon, chopped

1⁄3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.

4. Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then add spinach and cook until wilted.

5. Stir in heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

6. Add parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until smooth. Add half the bacon back into the sauce.

7. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Sprinkle remaining bacon over the chicken.

8. Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.

9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother, more flavorful sauce.

Make sure spinach is fully wilted and liquid is cooked off before adding cream to avoid watering down the sauce.

Always let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy and tender.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: easy recipe, dinner ideas, smothered chicken, creamed spinach, low carb, one pan, weeknight dinner