If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Creamy Chicken with Spinach Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce vibrant with fresh spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that tastes indulgent but is simple enough to whip up in about 30 minutes, delivering comfort and elegance all in one skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken with Spinach Dinner Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in creating layers of flavor and a delightful texture. From the rich cream to the fresh spinach and savory Parmesan, every element contributes to a balanced and appetizing dinner.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, tender and quick to cook.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden perfection, adding subtle fruity notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the best in the chicken and sauce.
- Minced garlic: Boosts flavor with its aromatic, slightly spicy punch.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the creamy sauce body.
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half): Creates that irresistibly silky sauce; lighter versions still maintain creaminess.
- Dijon mustard (optional): Provides a subtle tang and complexity in the sauce.
- Fresh spinach: Contributes vibrant color, nutrition, and a mild earthy flavor.
- Dried thyme and basil: These herbs impart warmth and herbaceous notes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and a cheesy finish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh, peppery garnish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken with Spinach Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple touch is crucial for flavor and ensures your chicken has a well-rounded taste. Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and forms a tasty crust.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the chicken is set aside, use the same skillet to create the sauce. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, just 1 to 2 minutes—this awakens its flavor without bitterness. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up caramelized bits left by the chicken for extra depth. Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard if using, mixing until the sauce becomes rich and gently thickens.
Step 3: Add the Spinach
Now comes the leafy goodness—fresh spinach tossed straight into the creamy skillet sauce. Stir it until just wilted, which should take about 2 minutes. The spinach not only adds beautiful color but also balances the richness of the sauce with its fresh, earthy taste.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return those perfectly seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy spinach sauce over them generously. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken can soak up the flavors and the sauce thickens slightly, making every bite heavenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and dried thyme and basil evenly over the dish for that final flavor boost.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken with Spinach Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a wonderful garnish for this dish. Its bright green color livens up the creamy landscape, and its mild peppery note contrasts nicely with the richness of the sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken with Spinach Dinner Recipe pairs beautifully with light, simple sides. Serve it alongside fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even garlic roasted potatoes for soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed or roasted vegetables complement the hearty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your presentation? Try plating the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta or buttery couscous and drizzle the spinach sauce artistically around the edges. For a rustic charm, serve it straight from the skillet, allowing guests to dish up their favorite portions of chicken and sauce. The vibrant green spinach pops beautifully against the creamy backdrop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, simply place leftover creamy chicken with spinach in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or a quick dinner fix.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for longer, this recipe freezes well. Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of spinach changes slightly after freezing, though the flavors remain intact and delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it thickens too much to return it to that smooth, velvety consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach well before adding it to the sauce to avoid excess liquid that might thin out the creamy texture.
Is there a healthier alternative to heavy cream for this recipe?
You can substitute half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter creaminess, though the sauce may be slightly less rich but still very tasty.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your chicken broth and any other additives are gluten-free certified.
How do I tell when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and feel firm yet juicy when pressed. The golden crust is a good visual indicator that it’s time for the next step.
Can I add other vegetables to the creamy sauce?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers could be stunning additions, brought in with the spinach to add extra flavor and texture layers.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken with Spinach Dinner Recipe feels like a little celebration on your dinner table every time you make it. With its creamy sauce, vibrant greens, and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Give it a try and soon it might just become your new favorite weeknight comfort food to share with those you love.
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Creamy Chicken with Spinach Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Chicken with Spinach Dinner is a quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts simmered in a rich and flavorful creamy garlic sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Sauce and Greens
- 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 generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), Dijon mustard if using, dried thyme, and dried basil. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined into the sauce.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes more to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve the creamy chicken with spinach immediately, ideally alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories and fat.
- Fresh spinach can be increased for extra greens or swapped with baby kale or Swiss chard.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the sauce.
- To make this gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth used is gluten-free certified.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
