Let me just start by saying, I’m so excited to share this creamy spinach chicken recipe with you! If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to put together, especially after a long day. I’m beyond grateful for recipes like this one—comforting, nutritious, and totally satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this chicken recipe is bound to be a hit. The best part? You only need a few ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal at home!
So, grab your apron, and let’s make this creamy spinach chicken! You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up something so delicious.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy spinach chicken recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- Salt and black pepper (to season the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and added flavor)
How to Make Creamy Spinach Chicken
- Prep and Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This helps build flavor from the very first step!
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it!). Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let this simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Then, add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts down. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, letting them soak in the creamy spinach sauce for a few minutes. Once everything is warmed through, your creamy spinach chicken is ready to serve!
Details And Nutritional Information
Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Helpful Tips
- Pound the Chicken Breasts: To ensure even cooking, pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This prevents the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts cook through.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Give the sauce a few minutes to simmer and thicken properly. This will ensure a rich, creamy consistency that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Fresh Spinach Works Best: While frozen spinach can work in a pinch, fresh spinach has a better texture and won’t add excess water to your sauce.
Substitutions & Variations
- Substitute for Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Just keep in mind, the sauce may not be as thick and rich.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms in the skillet after cooking the chicken for extra texture and flavor. They pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce!
- Switch Up the Greens: Don’t have spinach? No problem! You can substitute kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula for a slightly different flavor profile.
If you’re a fan of quick and delicious creamy spinach chicken recipe , you’ll love trying some of my other easy dinner recipes. Be sure to check out my honey roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta. These recipes are just as simple to make and perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe and will be just as delicious. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives. Coconut milk and nutritional yeast can work as great replacements.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Alternatively, the chicken should no longer be pink in the center.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (and trust me, you’ll want to save some for later), store your creamy spinach chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Just be sure to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.
I can’t wait for you to try this creamy spinach chicken! It’s one of those meals that will impress your guests but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Plus, the smell when this is in the oven is incredible!! Enjoy, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out!
Print
Creamy Spinach Chicken: A Deliciously Simple Dinner Idea
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Spinach Chicken is a quick and easy dinner that’s full of flavor! Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a must-try recipe that’ll impress the whole family!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Season the sauce with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer darker meat, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes