Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that’s both creamy and satisfying? This 30-minute creamy chicken with spinach dinner checks all the boxes! Tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, velvety sauce with garlic, spinach, and a hint of Parmesan cheese makes for the perfect weeknight meal that feels fancy yet is easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is incredibly quick to make—perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to sacrifice flavor. The creamy sauce is full of savory goodness, while the spinach adds freshness and a pop of color. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Chicken breasts
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic and onion
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil and butter
The full list of ingredients and measurements is in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh spinach: It wilts beautifully in the sauce and adds great flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked just through to keep it tender and juicy.
- Add more flavor: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the dish further.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy depth to the sauce.
- Swap for chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken with spinach over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad rounds out the meal perfectly. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works well—just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the sauce.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may not be as thick or creamy.
4. Can I add other veggies?
Definitely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This 30-minute creamy chicken with spinach dinner is everything you need when you’re craving a quick, delicious, and comforting meal. The creamy sauce is rich yet light, and the chicken is tender and flavorful. It’s the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat!
Print
30-Minute Creamy Chicken with Spinach Dinner
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Main Dish
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
This 30-minute creamy chicken with spinach dinner is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy sauce with garlic, spinach, and Parmesan, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s rich in flavor yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Spinach:
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted.
- Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy spinach sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the creamy chicken with spinach over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For added richness, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
- Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or sauté mushrooms along with the garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 135mg