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Weeknight • Chicken

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Spinach

Tender chicken and fresh spinach swim in a luscious, cheesy parmesan cream sauce – a truly comforting one-pan meal.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Spinach

Sometimes, you just need a hug in a skillet, and this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Spinach delivers just that! It's rich, comforting, and remarkably easy to pull together, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight. Get ready to fall in love with this creamy, cheesy wonder!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, for a hint of heat

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  2. Step 2

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Step 4

    Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.

  5. Step 5

    Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the fresh spinach, working in batches if necessary, and cook until wilted.

  6. Step 6

    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

  7. Step 7

    Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Delicious with pasta, rice, or crusty bread!

Tips

  • Don't worry if the sauce seems thin at first; it will thicken as it cools and the cheese melts.
  • For a deeper flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • This dish is fantastic served over rice, pasta, or with a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

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