Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are particularly thick, carefully slice them horizontally or pound them to an even thickness. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and black pepper.
Creamy Chicken Spinach Skillet
This Creamy Chicken Spinach Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender golden chicken, fresh spinach and a rich, flavorful cream sauce. It's easy enough for a weeknight dinner and delicious enough for a family gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving, optional
How to Make It
Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it covered.
Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously so the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
Make the Cream Sauce
Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir gently while scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
Add Parmesan and Spinach
Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Add the fresh spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt into the creamy sauce.
Return the Chicken
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy spinach sauce over the chicken and allow everything to simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Check the Chicken
Make sure the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If needed, continue cooking gently until the chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the chicken warm with the creamy spinach sauce spooned generously over the top. Add a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Why You'll Love This Skillet
Creamy Chicken Spinach Skillet is a simple dinner that brings together tender chicken and a rich homemade sauce in one pan. The chicken develops a beautiful golden crust while cooking, while garlic, Parmesan and Italian seasoning give the cream sauce plenty of savory flavor. Fresh spinach adds color and a mild earthy taste without overpowering the dish. Because everything comes together in one skillet, cleanup is also quick and easy. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It is a versatile recipe that works especially well when you want a satisfying homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Tips
For evenly cooked chicken, use pieces with a similar thickness. Avoid boiling the cream sauce at high heat because gentle simmering helps keep it smooth. Freshly grated Parmesan melts especially well into the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth. You can also add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes or extra spinach for additional flavor and texture.
Approximate Nutrition
465
Calories
29g
Fat
8g
Carbohydrates
43g
Protein