Introduction:

This creamy and flavorful One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s quick to make and easy to clean up. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce with fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Variation

Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the broth. The mushrooms will absorb the garlic flavor and add an earthy, hearty texture to the sauce. Portobello or cremini mushrooms work best.
Spicy Twist: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. The subtle spice balances the creamy texture and adds a burst of flavor.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or provolone when stirring in the Parmesan. This will make the sauce even more velvety and cheesy, giving it a richer texture that pairs well with the chicken.

Cooking Notes

Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if cooked too long. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the skillet as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Deglaze the Pan Properly: After cooking the chicken, make sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan when adding the broth. These bits are packed with flavor and give the sauce a deeper, more complex taste.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or a splash of milk. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer until it thickens to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Over Pasta: Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken over a bed of fettuccine or spaghetti. The pasta will soak up the flavorful sauce, making every bite deliciously creamy and satisfying.
With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and hearty side dish, perfectly complementing the richness of the sauce. Use Yukon gold potatoes for a buttery, smooth texture.
Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Balance out the richness with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. The light, crisp texture contrasts well with the creamy chicken.

Tips

Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture compared to pre-shredded varieties. Plus, it adds a deeper, nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
Season in Layers: Instead of adding all the seasoning at once, season the chicken and sauce separately. This technique builds depth of flavor and ensures every component is well seasoned.
Rest the Chicken Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for a minute or two after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender. This way, you won’t end up with dry or chewy chicken.

Prep Time:

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Sodium: 680 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and add extra juiciness. Keep in mind that thighs may take slightly longer to cook compared to chicken breasts.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and sauce separately, store them in the fridge, and combine them when reheating. This helps maintain the chicken’s tenderness while keeping the sauce creamy and smooth.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?
Reheat the dish over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to the sauce to restore its creamy texture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or sautéed bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and color. Just make sure to cook them before adding the broth and cream.

Conclusion:

This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach is a surefire way to impress family and friends with minimal effort. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach come together in a harmonious blend of flavors. Whether you serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy a stress-free cooking experience without sacrificing taste!

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach

Author: Avery
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

You can serve this dish with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
For added flavor, sprinkle a touch of red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 42 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach, Easy One-Pot Dinner