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.
