This creamy spinach Parmesan chicken is a treat for the taste buds! Juicy chicken breasts swim in a rich sauce with fresh spinach and cheesy goodness. Yum!
You’ll love how easy it is to make this dish in one pan. Perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without the fuss. Dinner is served!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: For best results, use large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you have thighs available, they work well too, offering more juiciness and flavor.
Heavy Cream: This adds the creamy texture essential for the sauce. If you want a lighter option, try half-and-half or a plant-based cream if you’re avoiding dairy.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great for this recipe as it wilts beautifully. If you only have frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a nice tangy flavor! If you don’t have them, consider fresh cherry tomatoes for a sweet alternative or omit them for a simpler dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is ideal for its melting properties. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses can work nicely.
How to Achieve the Perfectly Creamy Sauce?
The sauce is what makes this dish stand out, so follow these steps carefully for the best texture:
- Start with a medium heat when cooking garlic and onion. This prevents burning and allows flavors to develop properly.
- After adding the cream and broth, stir gently but consistently until the sauce thickens. This usually takes 3-5 minutes.
- For a smoother sauce, whisk in the cheese gradually rather than all at once. This ensures it melts evenly without clumping.
- Simmer your chicken in the creamy sauce for a few minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the delicious flavors!
With these tips in mind, your creamy spinach Parmesan chicken will be a hit at the dinner table! Enjoy cooking!
Creamy Spinach Parmesan Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Creamy Spinach Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. This means you can have a scrumptious dinner on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. Make sure they’re generously coated for the best flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 small finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and soft. This will create a flavorful base for your sauce!
4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Add the 1/2 cup of sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. This helps release their delicious flavors into the mix.
5. Stir in the Spinach:
Now, add 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes. It will look beautiful and vibrant!
6. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, stirring gently to combine with the sautéed veggies. This will form the creamy base of the dish.
7. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Sprinkle in 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce slightly thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing it to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. This creamy chicken goes wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even a light side salad.
Enjoy your delicious, comforting, and creamy spinach Parmesan chicken breast!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great and may even result in a juicier dish. Just cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), similar to breasts.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Keep them separate in the fridge and combine them when ready to serve, reheating gently on the stove.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
