Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s as creamy as it is comforting? Say hello to the "Creamy Spinach Parmesan Chicken Skillet"—a delightful American recipe that brings together succulent chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety sauce that will have your taste buds dancing! In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a meal that not only looks impressive but also tastes like a gourmet experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes hot.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce begins to thicken and smooth out.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over the top.
- Let the chicken warm through in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired and serve hot directly from the skillet.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the juiciest results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you want to save time, you can also use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken—just add it at the end to warm through.
- Fresh Spinach is Key: Using fresh spinach not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful color to the dish. If you only have frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the sauce.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Allow the chicken to sear properly in the skillet without moving it around too much. This will create a nice golden crust that adds flavor to the dish.
- Customize Your Creaminess: Adjust the richness of the sauce by varying the amount of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with Style: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 135mg
