When you need a meal that’s equal parts comforting and nourishing, Creamy Spinach Chicken is the answer. Juicy, seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with tender spinach—this dish feels indulgent but comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s ideal for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests.
This recipe is inspired by classic Tuscan-style cooking, where fresh greens, garlic, and cream come together to create bold yet simple flavors. Whether served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s the kind of dish that makes any dinner feel special.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach Chicken
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
- One-Skillet Recipe: Minimal cleanup required
- Balanced: Protein-rich chicken with nutrient-packed spinach
- Versatile: Pairs with pasta, rice, or bread
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups fresh spinach (about 5–6 oz)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for flavor. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Add the Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
4. Combine and Serve
Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Spinach Chicken
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to keep it juicy.
- Thicken Sauce More: Let simmer longer or add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with water.
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of cream.
- Extra Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for depth.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your creamy spinach chicken with:
- Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or penne
- Rice or Quinoa: To soak up the sauce
- Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty, comforting option
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Common Questions About Creamy Spinach Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this dish.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes, it reheats well for 2–3 days, making it great for lunches.
Flavor Variations to Try
Tuscan-Inspired Spinach Chicken
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and a splash of white wine
Mushroom Spinach Chicken
- Sauté mushrooms along with garlic before adding liquids
Spicy Spinach Chicken
- Add extra red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste
Final Thoughts: Creamy, Comforting, and Satisfying
Creamy Spinach Chicken is proof that weeknight dinners don’t need to be complicated to feel special. With a velvety sauce, tender chicken, and a touch of greens, it’s a balanced and delicious meal that everyone will love.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or treating yourself to something cozy, this skillet dinner is sure to become a favorite.
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Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe: A Comforting Skillet Dinner in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Spinach Chicken is the ultimate one-skillet comfort dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce packed with fresh spinach — a balance of indulgence and wholesomeness that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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4 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
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1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
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1 tablespoon water (for slurry, if using cornstarch)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Season and sear the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then stir in the chopped onion. Cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Deglaze the pan: Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
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Make the cream sauce: Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
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Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for another minute to thicken.
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Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2–3 minutes more until heated through.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
