If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach Recipe. Tender chicken breasts are lovingly cooked in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce that’s generously filled with fresh, vibrant spinach. Perfectly balanced between indulgent and wholesome, this dish is quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but elegant enough to impress guests. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a memorable dinner that everyone will ask for again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just simple, quality ingredients that come together to create that irresistible creamy garlic chicken magic. Every component plays a key role, whether adding richness, freshness, or a pop of flavor.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and tender when cooked right.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors just perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor alongside fresh cloves.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a delicious sear that locks in juices.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Gives the sauce its rich, silky base.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with bold aroma and taste.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and thins the sauce for perfect consistency.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The creamy backbone that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty tones that elevate every bite.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: Brightens the dish with vibrant color and nutrients.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Herbaceous notes tying the sauce flavors together beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle hint of heat if you like a little kick.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of green and fresh flavor to finish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to create a flavorful crust. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—this helps achieve a golden-brown sear that locks in the juices. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until cooked through and beautifully browned. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside, giving the pan those tasty bits that are perfect for the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, sautéing just for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Then, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens to a luscious consistency that clings to the chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach and Combine
Add fresh baby spinach directly into the sauce, stirring until it wilts down into that gorgeous emerald green. Returning your chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over each piece. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken warms back up, soaking generously in the sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the top brightens the plate and adds a fresh herbal touch that complements the creaminess perfectly. If you want to get a little fancy, a light dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts to make it look like you slaved over this delicious dish all day.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach Recipe pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes soaked in sauce, fluffy rice that absorbs every bit of flavor, or your favorite pasta to twirl around the garlicky sauce. Don’t be shy to serve it with crusty bread—trust me, you’ll want to mop up every glorious drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner presentation, plate the chicken on a shallow bowl with a bed of spinach and sauce, garnished with parsley and a wedge of lemon for a fresh zing. For casual feeding, put it all in a deep dish and let everyone serve themselves, perfect for lazy family dinners or informal gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy garlic chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce fresh without losing its silky texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep for up to 2 months, making weeknight dinners stress-free and quick.
Reheating
Reheat slowly on low heat in a skillet or gentle microwave bursts to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps revive that luscious texture and keeps the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use spinach other than baby spinach in this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby spinach works perfectly because it wilts quickly and has a mild flavor, you can also use regular spinach or even kale if you prefer—just make sure to chop it finely and cook a bit longer for tougher greens.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach Recipe is gluten-free as written. Just double-check your chicken broth and any seasoning blends to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
Definitely! To lighten the dish, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce will still be creamy but with less richness. Just keep in mind that the consistency might be a bit thinner.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
The total time is about 35 minutes, including prepping the chicken and cooking the sauce. It’s quick enough for a busy weekday yet delicious enough for a special occasion.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers can add extra flavor and texture. Just add these when you sauté the garlic to let their flavors mingle with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a creamy garlic chicken dinner with a healthy twist of fresh spinach, and this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach Recipe truly hits all the right notes. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try—you may just find your new go-to dinner that turns even the busiest nights into something special.
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy chicken with spinach is a rich, comforting one-skillet meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce with fresh spinach. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for company—serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to prepare them for searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet. When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to lift any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds flavor to the sauce.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Spinach: Toss in the fresh baby spinach and cook until it wilts completely, incorporating it into the creamy sauce.
- Combine and Warm Through: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Allow everything to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken heats through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired, and serve the creamy chicken with spinach warm, alongside your favorite side such as pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
