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