Speedy Creamy Chicken with Spinach: A Dreamy Dinner Recipe

Weeknight cooking reaches new heights with this 30-minute creamy chicken with spinach dinner that promises delicious comfort without complexity.

Succulent chicken breasts transform into a luxurious meal in less than half an hour.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across your plate, creating a symphony of rich, velvety textures.

Tender spinach adds vibrant green color and nutritional depth to every forkful.

Minimal ingredients combine effortlessly, making this recipe perfect for busy households seeking satisfying meals.

creamy sauce coats each bite with warmth and indulgence, ensuring everyone at the table will request seconds.

You’ll be amazed how quickly such a restaurant-quality dish comes together in your own kitchen.

Creamy Chicken with Spinach Cooks in 30 Minutes Flat

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up a delectable dinner in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires only a handful of common pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making this recipe budget-friendly and easily accessible for home cooks.
• Protein-Packed Comfort: Delivers a creamy, indulgent dish that combines lean chicken with nutrient-rich spinach, offering a balanced and delicious one-skillet meal that pleases everyone at the table.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, allowing flexibility for different taste preferences and making meal planning a breeze.

Spinach Chicken Skillet Dinner Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning that enhances chicken's natural flavor.

• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich, smooth sauce with deep cheese flavor, select full-fat versions for best texture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and subtle sharpness to the sauce.

• Fresh Spinach: Vibrant green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the dish, choose crisp and bright leaves.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that provides classic Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Healthy fat for cooking chicken, helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that enhances sauce's depth and prevents thickness.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds fresh finish and visual appeal to the dish.

Creamy Chicken with Spinach 30-Minute Dinner Guide

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and thoroughly cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Craft Velvety Sauce Base

Use the same skillet and add minced garlic, letting it dance and release its aromatic flavors for about 1 minute.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir ingredients together and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Whisk until sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious blend.

Step 3: Wilt Emerald Spinach

Toss fresh spinach into the creamy sauce.

Stir until leaves soften and turn a vibrant dark green.

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Adjust flavors to your preference.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Slice cooked chicken and nestle pieces into the creamy spinach sauce.

Let everything mingle and warm together for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve this luscious chicken atop rice, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Quick Meal Tips for Creamy Chicken with Spinach

• Cut chicken against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces that absorb the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Ensure cream cheese and Parmesan are at room temperature to create a silky, lump-free sauce that coats every bite.
• Add spinach gradually and stir quickly to prevent overcooking, maintaining its vibrant green color and fresh nutrients.
• Keep sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent separation and maintain the rich, creamy consistency without burning.
• Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a versatile dish that accommodates different dietary preferences and restrictions.

Chicken Spinach Dinner Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently. Cover with a lid to retain moisture and heat for 4-5 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
• Freeze the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Creamy Chicken Spinach Dish Pairing Ideas

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, rich sauce and cut through the richness with its bright, acidic notes.
• Create Garlic Bread Side: Prepare toasted garlic bread with herbs to soak up the delicious creamy sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary flavor profile.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy cream sauce and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken dish.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots to add nutritional variety and a caramelized depth that enhances the main course's flavors.

Chicken with Spinach in More Than One Way

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice or pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower mash for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate intake while maintaining the dish's creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free option that preserves the rich, creamy sauce consistency.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using the same seasoning and cooking method to create a plant-based protein alternative that keeps the original flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Version: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning with fresh oregano and basil to transform the dish into a Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese in the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Romano or Asiago cheese for a similar flavor profile. Gouda or white cheddar also work well in this creamy sauce.

• Is it possible to make this recipe lighter or healthier?

Absolutely! Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt, and use chicken tenderloins for a leaner protein option. You can also reduce the cheese quantity to cut calories.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

The key is to not overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture, and cook it in a skillet with enough oil to keep it juicy.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.

30-Minute Creamy Chicken with Spinach Dinner Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy chicken with spinach dinner whisks comfort and elegance into one delightful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Savory chicken nestled in a rich, silky sauce promises a satisfying experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened

Seasoning and Herbs:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 4 cups fresh spinach

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the chicken.
3. Cook chicken breasts thoroughly, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown exterior and reach complete internal doneness, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, reserving the flavorful skillet for sauce preparation.
5. Introduce minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing briefly until its aromatic essence permeates the cooking surface.
6. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking to create a smooth liquid foundation for the sauce.
7. Elevate the sauce by incorporating cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring continuously until a velvety, homogeneous texture emerges.
8. Gently fold fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, allowing leaves to wilt and integrate seamlessly with the sauce.
9. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling Italian seasoning, and adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference.
10. Slice the previously cooked chicken and reintroduce it to the skillet, nestling the pieces within the luxurious spinach sauce.
11. Simmer the entire composition for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring complete temperature equilibrium.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve atop rice, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a beautiful golden-brown exterior with maximum flavor absorption.
• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a crispier texture and brighter green color in the final dish.
• Reduce heat when adding cheese to prevent sauce from becoming grainy or separating during preparation.
• Low-fat alternatives work perfectly: swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for lighter version.
• Quickly wilt spinach to maintain nutrients and prevent soggy, overcooked greens that lose vibrant color.
• Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat or extra herbs like thyme for more complex flavor profile.
• Vegetarian adaptation possible by replacing chicken with firm tofu or white beans for protein-rich meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 41g
• Cholesterol: 195mg