Easy Creamy Cheesy Chicken Melt is a deliciously indulgent dish featuring seasoned chicken breasts, a rich spinach and cheese stuffing, and a creamy sauce served over pasta. This recipe is packed with flavor, making it perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
🍗 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
🧂 1 tsp salt
🧂 1 tsp black pepper
🧂 1 tsp garlic powder
🧂 1 tsp onion powder
🌿 1 tsp dried parsley
🌶️ 1/2 tsp paprika
🥬 1 cup cooked and drained spinach
🧀 4 oz cream cheese, softened
🧀 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
🧀 1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
🌶️ 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
🥛 1 cup heavy cream
🍝 8 oz linguine or pasta of choice
🍅 1/2 cup diced cherry tomatoes
Instructions
1- Prepare the Chicken:
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and paprika.
- Set aside while preparing the stuffing.
2- Make the Spinach Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Colby Jack cheese.
- Add Cajun seasoning and mix until smooth and well incorporated.
3- Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture onto one side of each chicken breast.
- Fold the chicken over and secure with toothpicks if needed.
4- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and drizzle with oil.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
5- Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Remove and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
6- Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and add diced cherry tomatoes.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7- Assemble the Dish:
- Place the cooked pasta in a serving dish and pour the creamy sauce over it.
- Top with the cheesy stuffed chicken and garnish with extra shredded cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 3-4
Equipment: Grill pan, mixing bowls, oven-safe pan, saucepan, serving dish
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor, but make sure to cook and drain it well.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version.
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