Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy garlic chicken with spinach is the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something delicious yet easy to prepare. The tender, juicy chicken is coated in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, complemented by fresh spinach for added nutrition. The combination of flavors is both rich and comforting, while the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, this meal is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil or butter
Garlic cloves
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Fresh spinach
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute before adding the heavy cream.
Melt the Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach and let it wilt in the sauce.
Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
Serve: Garnish with red pepper flakes if desired and serve hot with your preferred side.

Variations

Protein Swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers for additional texture and flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or rice.

Servings and Timing

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

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture.

FAQs

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but thaw and drain it well before adding to prevent excess liquid in the sauce.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, store the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat together.

Can I make this without dairy?

Yes, use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through properly.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use low heat when adding cream and avoid boiling the sauce.

What herbs pair well with this dish?

Basil, thyme, or parsley add extra depth of flavor.

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes, sear the chicken first, then cook everything on low for 4 hours.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic chicken with spinach is the ultimate quick and satisfying dinner that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. With its rich, garlicky sauce and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for weeknights when you need a meal that’s both comforting and effortless. Try it today and enjoy a new favorite on your dinner rotation!

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