I Need a Recipe

Weeknight • Chicken

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Polenta

Comforting creamy polenta topped with tender chicken and fresh spinach in a rich sauce.

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Polenta

Forget complicated weeknight dinners! This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Polenta is pure comfort food that feels gourmet but comes together with incredible ease. Imagine tender chicken nestled atop a bed of silky, cheesy polenta, all swimming in a savory, garlicky spinach sauce. It's hearty, wholesome, and wonderfully satisfying!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Chicken

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Polenta

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup instant or quick-cooking polenta
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Spinach Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (5 oz) bag fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    While chicken cooks, bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the polenta, reducing heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes for instant polenta (or according to package directions for quick-cooking), until thick and creamy. Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Cover to keep warm.

  3. Step 3

    In the same skillet used for chicken, add 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

  4. Step 4

    Return cooked chicken to the skillet with the spinach sauce. Toss to coat.

  5. Step 5

    To serve, spoon a generous amount of creamy polenta into bowls, then top with the chicken and spinach mixture.

Tips

  • Ensure broth is boiling before adding polenta for the creamiest texture and to prevent lumps.
  • Don't overcook the chicken; it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce.
  • A sprinkle of fresh red pepper flakes in the spinach sauce adds a lovely subtle warmth.

More recipes you'll love

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Weeknight•50 min
One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf

A deeply flavorful, comforting chicken and rice dish that cooks entirely in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.