Imagine a dinner that's creamy, packed with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes - without creating a mountain of dishes! This One Skillet Chicken with Spinach Artichoke Cream Sauce is about to become your kitchen superhero, transforming ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family begging for seconds. With a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, this recipe proves that gourmet doesn't have to mean complicated.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup fresh spinach, 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts (drained and chopped), 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped artichoke hearts. Sauté for about 2 minutes to warm them through.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well to combine with the spinach and artichokes. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach artichoke sauce over the top of the chicken.
- Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Once done, remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Skillet Selection Matters: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet that conducts heat evenly to prevent burning and ensure golden-brown chicken.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook chicken in batches if your skillet is small to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
- Fresh vs. Frozen: While fresh spinach is ideal, frozen spinach can work - just be sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent a watery sauce.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat or swap Parmesan for another melting cheese like Gruyère.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 180mg
