Description
This One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach recipe delivers a rich and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh spinach. It's a simple, comforting dish that comes together quickly using just one pan, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve it over pasta or cauliflower rice for an easy yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups spinach leaves (about 3 ounces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts well with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 3-5 minutes per side or until the chicken is no longer pink inside. Remove from the skillet and place on a plate.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the butter, finely diced onions, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the softened cream cheese. Simmer over medium heat for a couple of minutes while whisking continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add cheese and spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach leaves. Continue to simmer until the spinach has wilted and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over it until warmed through. Garnish with optional fresh chopped basil, and serve plain, over pasta, or with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Notes
- Use chicken tenderloins for a quicker cooking time and more even cooking if preferred.
- The sauce will thicken the longer it simmers; adjust cooking time based on your preferred consistency.
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper amount.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness; if unavailable, roasted red peppers can be a substitute.
- Serve over your choice of sides such as pasta, rice, or low-carb cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
