Description
This Creamy Chicken with Spinach Dinner is a comforting, one-pan dish that features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with fresh spinach. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve it with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or more for extra greens)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard (if using), thyme, and basil. Continue to simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes creamy. - Add the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. - Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce and spinach mixture over the chicken. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Serve:
Garnish the dish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve the creamy chicken with spinach over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes to the sauce for additional flavors.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes or add a little cornstarch (mixed with water) to help thicken it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg