Creamy Spinach Parmesan Sauce Chicken Breast Recipe

This Creamy Spinach Parmesan Sauce Chicken Breast recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts and a rich, savory sauce featuring Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and cream. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this dish offers restaurant-quality flavor and a touch of elegance to your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistibly Creamy Sauce: The Parmesan and spinach-infused cream sauce is smooth, savory, and packed with flavor.
2. Quick & Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep, making it perfect for weeknights.
3. Healthy Ingredients: With lean chicken breast and nutrient-rich spinach, this dish is both filling and nutritious.
4. Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear better in the pan.
2. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, gently rubbing the seasonings in.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Spinach Parmesan Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add rich flavor to the sauce.
3. Add Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to medium and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
4. Melt the Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and incorporates fully, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
5. Season the Sauce: Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Incorporate the Spinach

1. Add Fresh Spinach: Stir the chopped spinach into the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and blends into the sauce.
2. Taste Test: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary. The sauce should be rich, savory, and well-balanced with Parmesan flavor and a hint of garlic.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Return Chicken to the Pan: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce, spooning the creamy mixture over each piece.
2. Simmer: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb some of the flavors from the sauce and remain juicy.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Chicken: Transfer each chicken breast onto a serving plate, spooning extra sauce over the top.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Fresh Parmesan melts more smoothly and gives a richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.
• Sear the Chicken Well: A good sear locks in the juices and adds a beautiful golden color to the dish.
• Keep Sauce Consistency in Check: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of additional chicken broth or cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Pasta: Serve over fettuccine or spaghetti to soak up every drop of sauce.
• Rice or Quinoa: A scoop of white or wild rice makes a lovely base.
• Low-Carb Options: Try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are an indulgent side that pairs well with this dish.

Variations to Try

1. Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy twist.
2. Swap the Protein: Try this sauce with shrimp, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy element that complements the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately. Store in the refrigerator, then reheat together before serving.

2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

• While you can use milk for a lighter version, the sauce may not be as thick and creamy. Consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch for thickness if using milk.

3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• The recipe is naturally gluten-free if all ingredients are gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?

• Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop for the best texture.

5. What can I do if my sauce is too thin?

• If your sauce is too thin, simmer it longer to reduce or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken.

Yield: 4

Creamy Spinach Parmesan Sauce Chicken Breast Recipe

Print

This Creamy Spinach Parmesan Sauce Chicken Breast recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts and a rich, savory sauce featuring Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and cream. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this dish offers restaurant-quality flavor and a touch of elegance to your meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Butter:
   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, stirring frequently for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
   Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add Spinach:
   Stir in the baby spinach, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until it wilts.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For added depth of flavor, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth.