INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR THE CHICKEN:
4 chicken breasts.
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp.Of olive oil.
4 bacon slices, chopped.
1 Cup.Of mushrooms, sliced.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 Tsp.Of thyme leaves, chopped.
FOR THE CREAMED SPINACH:
2 Tbsp.Of butter.
1 small onion, finely chopped.
Minced garlic, used 2 cloves.
4 Cups.Of fresh spinach leaves.
1 Cup.Of heavy cream.
1/2 Cup.Of grated Parmesan cheese.
Salt and pepper, to taste.
PREPARATION:
1st Step
On both sides, liberally season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove the food from the pan and set aside.
2nd Step
In the same skillet used to prepare the chicken, add the bacon and sauté it until it is crispy. Remove the bacon but leave the drippings in the pan.
3rd Step
Add the mushroom slices to the pan and sauté until they are browned and tender. Cook for an additional minute after stirring in the minced garlic and thyme.
4th Step
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent and aromatic.
5th Step
Then, add the fresh spinach leaves and sauté until wilted before adding the heavy cream and bringing it to a simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper.
6th Step
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the bacon and mushrooms. Pour the creamed spinach over the chicken and allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes. To saturate the chicken with the creamy spinach sauce, stir gently.
7th Step
Place the chicken covered in sautéed spinach, pancetta, and mushrooms on serving plates. If desirable, garnish the dish with additional thyme sprigs and serve it steaming with roasted potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
RECIPE TIPS:
•Instead of frying the bacon from scratch, you may use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits to cut down on the amount of time it takes.
•You are welcome to alter the recipe to your liking by using other veggies like sun-dried tomatoes or bell peppers.
•You may make a variation that is lower in fat and calories by exchanging the heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt.
•Serve this dish with a crisp green salad or vegetables that have been steamed for a supper that is both complete and well-balanced.
