Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach is an easy, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or a cozy meal served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender lean protein that cooks quickly and works perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps brown the chicken beautifully while adding light richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Adds buttery flavor and helps create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds a fragrant blend of herbs.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Provides mild warmth and attractive golden color.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds gentle peppery depth.
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Provides the bold savory garlic flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a rich, smooth, and creamy sauce.
- ½ cup chicken broth – Adds savory flavor while helping create the perfect sauce consistency.
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Gives the sauce its signature cheesy, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach – Adds freshness, color, and a mild earthy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – Enhances the herbaceous flavor of the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional – Adds a subtle kick.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Balances and enhances the sauce.
Optional Garnishes
- Freshly grated Parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh basil
- Red pepper flakes
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sear for 4–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer chicken to a clean plate and reduce the skillet heat to medium.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Add fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top.
- Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Garnish with Parmesan, fresh parsley, basil, or red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately with pasta, rice, vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest and creamiest sauce.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent separating.
- Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 servings
- Calories: 520 calories
