If you are craving a dish that brings together creamy, savory, and vibrant flavors all in one bite, you are going to adore this Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe. Imagine tender chicken breasts enveloping a luscious blend of cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and the unmistakable tang of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a dish that’s both elegant enough for date night and simple enough to whip up anytime you want to impress. This recipe is a triumphant celebration of flavor and texture that will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe lies in a handful of accessible, quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the creamy cheeses that soften the bite, the vibrant spinach for freshness, or the sun-dried tomatoes adding that perfect punch of depth and color. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before cooking:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas to hold all that delicious filling; make sure they are about 1 pound each for ideal stuffing size.
- 2 oz cream cheese: Provides a rich and velvety base for the filling.
- 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese: Adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess without making the filling too wet—be careful to avoid any excess liquid.
- 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings a mild, melty texture that complements the other cheeses beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic: Injects vibrant aromatic flavor right into every bite.
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach: If using frozen, make sure it’s thawed and squeezed dry for the best texture.
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped finely and patted dry to add that sweet, tangy burst of flavor and a gorgeous pop of color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning every element perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers deeper layers of garlicky goodness on the chicken’s surface.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and lovely color to the chicken’s exterior.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper: Gives just enough bite to round out the seasoning.
How to Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe
Step 1: Butterfly the Chicken Breasts
Begin by placing your chicken breasts on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast open horizontally so it opens like a book but remains connected on one side. This technique creates a perfect pocket that can hold all that dreamy cheese filling without breaking apart while cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Spinach Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and freshly minced garlic. Use an electric mixer or simply a sturdy spoon to beat them together until smooth and evenly blended. Next, fold in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring each bite will be a lovely balance of creamy and vibrant flavors.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Gently spoon half of the cheese and spinach mixture into the opening of each butterflied chicken breast. Spread it evenly but carefully to avoid overstuffing. Then, use toothpicks to secure the edges shut, which helps keep the filling tucked inside while cooking.
Step 4: Season and Sear the Chicken
Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil for a golden sear. Mix together the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle this seasoning blend generously over all sides of the chicken breasts. Place them in the hot skillet and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side to build a beautiful crust.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken
After searing, reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Continue cooking until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, usually about 10 minutes more. If you prefer, transfer the chicken to a preheated 425-degree Fahrenheit oven to finish cooking instead. Keep an eye on your chicken and add a splash of water or broth if it starts browning too much.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute and ensures every bite is juicy and tender.
How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few basil leaves makes a lovely, fresh garnish that contrasts beautifully with the warm, cheesy filling. You can also drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil or balsamic glaze over the top for an elegant finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs gorgeously with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts are also excellent choices. For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic buttered noodles work wonderfully to soak up the extra cheesy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken into medallions to showcase the colorful filling and stack them on a plate for a stunning presentation. You can also serve these with a side of lemon wedges to squeeze over the top, adding a fresh acidic note that enlivens the dish perfectly. For a more casual vibe, present the stuffed chicken whole alongside warm, rustic bread for mopping up any melted cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has fully cooled before sealing to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked stuffed chicken if you want to prep in advance. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place inside a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if needed. Warm them gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven to avoid drying out the chicken. Covering the dish while reheating helps retain moisture for juicy results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out any excess water so the filling doesn’t become soggy. Using fresh spinach does provide a slightly brighter flavor, but frozen works well too.
What cheeses work best for the three-cheese filling?
This recipe calls for cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, which create an excellent balance of creaminess, meltiness, and sharpness. You can experiment with similar cheeses like fontina or gouda, but stick to mild and melting types for the best texture.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Butterflying the chicken and filling it with a creamy mixture helps keep it moist. Also, sear over medium-high heat for color, then reduce heat and cook covered until done. Letting the chicken rest before serving locks in the juices perfectly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this dish is built around chicken, you could swap the chicken breasts for large portobello mushrooms or thick slices of eggplant as a vegetarian option, then stuff and bake similarly for a cheesy, spinach-filled vegetarian delight.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe holds up well refrigerated or frozen and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep choice for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that brings impressive flavor with surprisingly little fuss, this Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe is your go-to. The creamy, cheesy filling melded with vibrant spinach and tangy tomatoes wrapped in juicy chicken makes every bite a delight. I hope you enjoy preparing and devouring this favorite as much as I do — it truly feels like a special treat every time!
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Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is ideal for a delicious and impressive date-night dinner. The chicken breasts are seasoned with garlic, paprika, and pepper on the outside, while the inside is filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halves of about 1 lb
Filling
- 2 oz cream cheese (¼ cup)
- 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese, drained of excess liquid
- 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach, or ⅓ cup frozen, thawed, and squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry and finely chopped
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil for cooking
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice them open horizontally so that they remain connected on one side, creating a large pocket for the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and minced garlic until well combined, either with an electric mixer or a spoon. Stir in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes until evenly mixed.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon half of the spinach and cheese mixture into the opening of each butterflied chicken breast. Secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over all sides of the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Sear the chicken: Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Cook through: Reduce the heat to medium. Cover the skillet and cook the chicken until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 10 minutes). To prevent excessive browning, add a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Optional oven finish: Alternatively, after searing, transfer the skillet or chicken to a preheated 425°F oven and bake for about 10 minutes until fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overfill the chicken breasts to avoid the filling spilling out during cooking.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture, but frozen spinach is a convenient substitute when properly thawed and squeezed dry.
- If you don’t have an electric mixer, mixing the filling ingredients by hand with a spoon works fine.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
- To ensure even cooking, use a meat thermometer to check for the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Removing toothpicks before serving is recommended for safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American