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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish I love using fresh and simple ingredients for this dish. You start with chicken. I prefer boneless and skinless breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Next, you need heavy cream and chicken broth. These give the dish its creamy base. Don’t forget garlic. It adds a nice flavor. Onion powder and paprika bring in warmth and depth. You will also need fresh spinach. It wilts down beautifully in the sauce. For the finishing touch, grab some grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the sauce and makes it rich. Finally, you can add salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They add color and a hint of freshness. This mix of ingredients creates a tasty, comforting meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps the seasoning stick. Now, season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Make sure to cover every inch. This adds great flavor to the chicken. Next, heat up a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want to smell that garlic! Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. Now, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir it in until it wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Then, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts into the sauce. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the top. Let it cook for another 2 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend. When you serve, consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves. It makes the dish look great! To cook chicken breasts well, start with even thickness. If they are thick, pound them gently. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden crust and make sure they are cooked through. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you want a lighter sauce. Coconut milk is a great dairy-free option. For a little zing, add lemon juice or zest. If you like a different flavor, try using feta cheese instead of Parmesan. Each choice brings a fresh twist to the recipe. When you sauté garlic, keep the heat medium-low. This prevents burning and gives a rich flavor. Cook minced garlic for just one minute until fragrant. Then add the spinach. Stir it in until it wilts, which should take about two minutes. This keeps the vibrant color and nutrients of the spinach intact. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Fresh Spinach: Always use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well. Customize the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese according to your desired creaminess level for the sauce. Garnish for Presentation: Enhance the dish’s look and flavor by topping with freshly chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving. {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish by adding other veggies. Try bell peppers for sweetness or mushrooms for a rich flavor. You can also add zucchini or cherry tomatoes for a fresh touch. Just sauté them with garlic before adding the cream. This gives you a colorful and tasty meal. If you want to swap the chicken, consider shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a light flavor. Tofu gives a nice texture and soaks up the sauce well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. This keeps the dish exciting and caters to different diets. To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It adds a hint of sweetness. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste. You can also use a dairy-free cream alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy spinach chicken skillet! To keep your creamy spinach chicken skillet fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing works too. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. For the microwave, place in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the meal creamy and delicious. You can freeze the creamy spinach chicken skillet. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it first. Frozen spinach is a great option. It saves time and still tastes good. Add it to the sauce after you sauté the garlic. You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are some great ideas: - Rice: White or brown rice absorbs the creamy sauce well. - Pasta: Any type of pasta pairs nicely with the chicken. - Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. To add spice, try these tips: - Use cayenne pepper: Add a pinch when seasoning the chicken. - Red pepper flakes: Stir some into the sauce for heat. - Hot sauce: Drizzle a bit on top before serving. These options let you control the spice level easily. In this post, I shared how to make a delicious Creamy Spinach Chicken Skillet. We covered the key ingredients, like chicken, cream, and fresh veggies. I guided you through each step from preparing the chicken to serving the dish. I also provided tips for cooking, possible variations, and best ways to store leftovers. Remember, cooking is a fun journey. Don’t hesitate to try new ingredients or flavors. Enjoy every bite!

Creamy Spinach Chicken Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 to taste Salt
  • 1 to taste Pepper
  • 1 bunch Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until completely melted and combined into the sauce.
  • Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  • Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve in the pan for a rustic look or plate individually with basil and extra Parmesan.
Keyword Chicken, creamy, skillet, spinach