Behind Bellagio Chicken
Bellagio Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, tomatoes, and Parmesan in a rich sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal, this easy chicken recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil or substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little kick
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Now, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, even if you’re not an experienced chef, I’ll walk you through each step as if we were cooking side by side in my kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These spices will give the chicken a beautiful flavor and a lovely golden color when it’s cooked.
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat. When the oil is heated, place the chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until both sides are golden and the chicken is fully cooked.Be sure to avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. We’ll come back to it soon, but for now, let’s get started on that creamy sauce!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. There’s no need to clean the pan—you want all those tasty bits left from the chicken to flavor your sauce. Cook the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
- Now it’s time for the magic ingredient: cream!Gradually stir in the heavy cream, mixing continuously.Lower the heat and allow the sauce to gently simmer for around 5 minutes, stirring from time to time. You’ll notice it starting to thicken up—this is what will coat your chicken in velvety goodness.
Step 3: Add the Spinach and Tomatoes
- Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese. It’ll melt into the sauce, adding a rich, savory flavor.
- Next, add the drained diced tomatoes and the fresh spinach leaves. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down into the sauce. You can also toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. The combination of the fresh spinach and the acidity of the tomatoes adds a nice balance to the rich cream sauce.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Now, it’s time to return the chicken to the skillet. Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 more minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, sprinkle the dish with fresh basil and parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
Variations and Customizations
As with any recipe, there’s always room for customization. Here are a few ideas to make Bellagio Chicken your own:- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic for an earthy addition.
- Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a more intense tomato flavor, swap out the diced tomatoes for sun-dried ones. They’ll add a sweet, tangy punch to the dish.
- Swap the Chicken: This recipe works beautifully with boneless pork chops or even shrimp if you’re in the mood for something different.
- Go Low-Carb: For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. You can also serve the chicken over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.