Classic Creamy Spinach Chicken Dinner
A rich and flavorful one-pan chicken dinner featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy spinach and Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or oven-safe pan
- Paper towels
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 5-6 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely diced optional
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- Olive oil for searing
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the pan, and sauté garlic and shallot for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, and simmer briefly; then stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted into the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over it, and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, do not overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary. You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.