Creamy Spinach Chicken: A Weeknight Comfort Classic

Sometimes, the best meals are the ones you can make in under 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor. Creamy Spinach Chicken is exactly that: a quick, satisfying dinner that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen but uses just one pan and simple ingredients.

Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection are bathed in a luscious garlicky cream sauce studded with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. The flavors are rich but balanced, comforting yet bright. It’s a dish that will impress the family, elevate your weeknight dinner, and leave everyone asking for seconds.

🥘 Why You’ll Love Creamy Spinach Chicken

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, ready in 30 minutes.
• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup while cooking full flavor.
• Healthy twist: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients.
• Versatile: Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
• Crowd-pleaser: Rich, garlicky, creamy flavor that appeals to adults and kids alike.

🧂 Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

🔪 Instructions

1. Season and sear the chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Make the creamy sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Reduce heat and simmer 2–3 minutes.

3. Add Parmesan cheese:
Whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

4. Wilt the spinach:
Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

5. Combine chicken and sauce:
Return seared chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce and spinach over the top. Simmer 2–3 minutes to heat through.

6. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Creamy Spinach Chicken

Tender chicken breasts cooked in a garlicky creamy Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
5. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
7. Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry. Serve over pasta or rice.

💡 Tips for the Perfect Creamy Spinach Chicken

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Sear until just cooked; it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
• Fresh Parmesan matters: Avoid pre-grated cheese if possible — it melts better and thickens the sauce naturally.
• Creamy consistency: For a thicker sauce, simmer a few extra minutes or add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
• Spinach alternatives: Kale or Swiss chard works if you prefer a slightly earthier flavor.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Over fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a creamy pasta dinner.
• With garlic mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
• Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.

🔄 Variations

1. Sun-dried Tomato Spinach Chicken: Add ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, sweet depth.
2. Mushroom Spinach Chicken: Sauté ½ cup sliced mushrooms with garlic before adding cream.
3. Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes.
4. Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

🕰️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or microwave to prevent curdling the cream.
• Freeze: Sauce separates after freezing; it’s best to freeze cooked chicken separately and make fresh sauce.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works Every Time

Creamy Spinach Chicken is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish because it balances richness with freshness, simplicity with indulgence. The garlic-Parmesan sauce elevates humble chicken breasts, while spinach adds color and nutrients. It’s approachable yet impressive, making it ideal for both family meals and casual dinner guests.

📖 Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4