This creamy chicken breast is a real treat! Tender chicken meets a rich spinach and Parmesan sauce that’s cheesy and comforting. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I love how quick it is to whip up too. Just cook the chicken, stir in that tasty sauce, and dinner is served. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts make this dish quick and healthy. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too, just adjust cooking time as they may take longer.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk mixed with cornstarch (if you need a thickener).
Parmesan Cheese: A must for that cheesy flavor! If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or a similar hard cheese can work as a good replacement. Grated versions melt better than shredded.
How Do I Achieve a Rich and Flavorful Sauce?
The sauce is key to this dish, and here’s how to nail it:
- Start by sautéing garlic in butter until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer. This helps lift all those flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Crave that added depth!
- When adding the heavy cream, mix well to avoid any lumps and let it thicken gently. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes over medium heat.
- Add in Parmesan bit by bit; this allows easy melting and getting that creamy finish. Be patient here!
- Finally, don’t skip on letting the chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Creamy Chicken Breast with Spinach Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner while being tasty enough to impress guests during the weekend!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to let the garlic brown. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer while scraping up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Adding the Cream & Cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens a bit. This should take about 3-5 minutes over medium heat.
5. Adding the Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until it’s wilted, which should take approximately 2-3 minutes. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
6. Combining Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Allow it to cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs all those delicious flavors from the sauce.
7. Adding the Finishing Touches:
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top. Finally, garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy this creamy chicken breast served over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up that rich sauce! It’s a comforting meal that everyone will love!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method by submerging in a sealed bag.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the chicken separately. Store both in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce if needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Creamy Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, making sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of non-dairy milk and cornstarch to mimic the creaminess. Just be cautious as the flavor and texture may vary slightly!
