Are you ready to transform an ordinary chicken dinner into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece? This Creamy Spinach Chicken Breast recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts smothered in a luxuriously rich, velvety spinach sauce that's packed with garlic and Parmesan cheese. It's a dish so delicious, you'll want to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills – and the best part? It comes together in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Spinach, fresh
- Heavy cream
- Garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Wash fresh spinach and roughly chop. Mince garlic cloves finely.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, carefully place chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate. Keep warm by covering loosely with aluminum foil.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to incorporate garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cream reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Add fresh spinach to the cream sauce, stirring until spinach wilts and becomes tender. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning creamy spinach sauce over the top. Let chicken reheat for 1-2 minutes.
- Plate chicken breasts and generously top with remaining creamy spinach sauce. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety and juicy results.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Don't Rush the Garlic: Sauté garlic briefly to release flavor without burning, which can make it bitter.
- Cream Sauce Consistency: Let the cream simmer and reduce slightly to thicken naturally. Avoid high heat to prevent separation.
- Fresh Spinach Matters: Use fresh spinach for the best texture and vibrant green color. Frozen spinach can make the sauce watery.
- Cheese Tip: Add Parmesan at the end of cooking to prevent grainy texture and maintain smooth sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over rice, pasta, or with a side of roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
