Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Short Description

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach is a rich and flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan meal features tender chicken breast cooked in a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce with fresh spinach for a nutritious boost. It’s an easy yet elegant dish that pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – This dish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup is required, as everything is cooked in a single skillet.
• Rich and Creamy – The garlic-infused cream sauce is indulgent yet balanced by fresh spinach.
• Versatile – Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables.
• Nutritious – Spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
• Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences or available pantry items.

Ingredients

chicken breasts
salt
black pepper
olive oil
butter
garlic cloves
chicken broth
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
fresh spinach
red pepper flakes (optional)
Italian seasoning

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken – Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic – Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter to the same skillet, and stir in minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pan – Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
5. Make the Cream Sauce – Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the Spinach – Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Return the Chicken – Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Serve and Enjoy – Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables.

Variations

• Dairy-Free – Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Low-Carb – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Spicy Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Mushroom Addition – Sauté mushrooms along with the garlic for extra umami flavor.
• Lemon Twist – Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright, tangy touch.

Servings and Timing

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

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Warm gently over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
• Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding to the sauce.

What can I serve with this dish?

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

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce separately and store it in the fridge, then reheat with the chicken when ready to serve.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer longer, add more Parmesan, or mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water).

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?

Use another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or a little cream cheese for thickness.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together bold flavors and creamy textures in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is easy to customize and pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves quick and delicious dinners!

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