Instructions:
Prepare the chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cook the chicken:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Saute the vegetables:

In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes. Sauté until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine:

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Add cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot, either on its own or over pasta or rice.

Notes and Tips:

Chicken Preparation:

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this dish. For even cooking, pound the chicken to an even thickness before sautéing.

Searing Tip:

Sear the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides. This helps lock in the juices and flavor.

Spinach:

Use fresh baby spinach for the best texture. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the dish to avoid a watery sauce.

Add Aromatics:

Garlic, onions, and Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme add depth of flavor. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.

Tomato Options:

For a richer sauce, add cherry tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes. They provide acidity and sweetness to balance the dish.

This Spinach and Chicken Italian dish is easy to make, full of vibrant flavors, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.