🍗🌿 The Best Creamy Spinach Chicken
Tender, juicy seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce loaded with spinach. This dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner — ready in under 30 minutes!
🍽️ Servings
Serves 3–4 people
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless (2 medium breasts, sliced horizontally into 4 thinner cutlets)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter, for searing
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional for a little heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prep the chicken:
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. - Sear the chicken:
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and simmer for 1–2 minutes to deglaze the pan. - Add cream & cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly. - Add spinach:
Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 1–2 minutes). Season sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. - Combine:
Return seared chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes. - Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan or parsley if desired.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Use chicken thighs if preferred — juicier and more flavorful.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
- Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
- Low-fat? Use light cream and reduce cheese — still tasty!
- Make it a pasta night: Serve over fettuccine, mashed potatoes, or rice.
✅ Health Benefits
- High-protein meal – supports muscle and satiety
- Spinach-rich in iron, fiber, and antioxidants
- Low in carbs – great for keto or low-carb lifestyles
- Calcium and vitamin D from the creamy sauce and cheese
🍴 Nutritional Info (per serving, serves 4)
- Calories: ~390
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Calcium: ~20% DV
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes! Thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the sauce.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
Q: What goes best with it?
A: Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
Let me know if you want a printable version, a meal-prep adaptation, or a dairy-free/low-calorie twist!