Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that’s creamy, savory, and full of flavor? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Spinach recipe is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Tender chicken breast cooked in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, combined with fresh spinach for a nutritious twist. This dish is simple, comforting, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Let’s get started and make this easy and creamy dish!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Spinach
To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients that you can easily find in any kitchen. Here’s what you need:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. They’re easy to cook and get tender in the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in the sauce and adds a healthy green touch.
- Garlic: Minced garlic gives the dish a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy, making every bite smooth and comforting.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory touch to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and starting the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Spinach
Now, let’s dive into how to make this creamy and savory chicken dish from start to finish.
- Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Spinach to the Sauce:
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts down. The spinach will soften and blend beautifully with the creamy sauce. - Combine Chicken with the Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken.
Let everything simmer together for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the creamy sauce and become extra flavorful.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to serve!
Plate the chicken and spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and spinach over the top.
Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’d like.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Spinach
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and Parmesan will give the best flavor to your sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken can dry out if overcooked, so be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time.
- Make it a full meal: Serve this creamy chicken with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Variations and Customizations You Can Try
- Add Mushrooms: Slice some mushrooms and sauté them with the garlic for an added earthy flavor.
- Use Other Greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, try using kale, arugula, or even broccoli.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Use Different Cheeses: Swap Parmesan with Romano or Asiago for a different twist on the flavor.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Spinach
This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the rich sauce.
- Rice: Serve it with white or brown rice to soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer dark meat. Just cook them until they reach 165°F (75°C) internally.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Frozen spinach can work, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then combine them just before serving.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Spinach
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir and let simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Spinach:Stir in the spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine and Serve:Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let everything simmer for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
