One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Spinach Delight

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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional) - Large skillet - Wooden spoon - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board - Plate and foil - For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast. - Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. - Use gluten-free broth if needed. - For lower fat, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. First, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds lots of flavor. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with foil to keep warm. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells good, but don’t let it burn. Then, carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the skillet. This adds great flavor to your sauce. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Now, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over it. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This warms the chicken and lets it soak up the sauce. Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. If you like, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. This adds color and freshness to your meal. To keep chicken juicy, start with fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Season them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use a hot skillet to sear the chicken. This helps lock in moisture. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and reach 165°F. Don’t skip covering the cooked chicken with foil. This keeps it warm and juicy while you make the sauce. For a smooth sauce, stir the cream and cheese slowly. Use low heat after adding these ingredients. This helps avoid lumps and keeps it creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. Taste it often. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or Italian herbs as needed. Plating is key to making your dish shine. Serve the chicken on a bed of pasta or alongside crispy garlic bread. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken for a beautiful look. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for color and flavor. A slice of lemon or fresh parsley adds a nice touch too. This makes your plate pop and enhances enjoyment. {{image_4}} You can boost the nutrition of this dish by adding more veggies. Try bright bell peppers, sweet zucchini, or crunchy broccoli. These veggies not only add color but also bring vitamins and fiber. Simply chop them into small pieces and add them to the skillet after the garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes before adding the broth. This way, they will cook through but still stay crisp. Feel free to swap the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu work well in this dish. If you use shrimp, cook them until pink, then remove them before adding the garlic. For turkey, use cutlets that are about the same size as chicken breasts. Tofu can be cubed and sautéed until golden. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture to this creamy dish. If you want a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Both choices will change the flavor slightly but will still taste great. For a lighter option, reduce the amount of cheese by half. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness without extra calories. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Cover it tightly to keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This will help bring back its smooth texture. To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can soak the chicken in cold water for about an hour. Always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, consider using half-and-half or coconut milk. Both options can work well in this recipe. For a lighter version, mix milk with a little butter. This keeps the creamy taste while reducing fat. To make this dish ahead, cook the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and add it to the sauce. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. This blog covered all you need for a tasty chicken dish. You learned about the right ingredients, tools, and options for dietary needs. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing the chicken and creamy sauce. Plus, I gave tips on keeping the chicken juicy and perfecting sauce consistency. You also saw how to add variations and store leftovers. Keep these tips in mind. They will help you cook great meals every time. Enjoy your cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Spinach Delight is your answer! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll whip up a meal that’s creamy, savory, and full of flavor. In this post, I’ll guide you through the whole process, plus offer tips and tricks to make it even better. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that your family will love!

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Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Essential Equipment Needed

– Large skillet

– Wooden spoon

– Measuring cups and spoons

– Knife and cutting board

– Plate and foil

Alternative Ingredients for Dietary Needs

– For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.

– Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

– Use gluten-free broth if needed.

– For lower fat, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken

First, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds lots of flavor. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with foil to keep warm.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells good, but don’t let it burn. Then, carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the skillet. This adds great flavor to your sauce. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Combining Ingredients and Final Touches

Now, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over it. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This warms the chicken and lets it soak up the sauce. Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. If you like, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. This adds color and freshness to your meal.

Tips & Tricks

How to Ensure Chicken is Juicy

To keep chicken juicy, start with fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Season them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use a hot skillet to sear the chicken. This helps lock in moisture. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and reach 165°F. Don’t skip covering the cooked chicken with foil. This keeps it warm and juicy while you make the sauce.

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce Consistency

For a smooth sauce, stir the cream and cheese slowly. Use low heat after adding these ingredients. This helps avoid lumps and keeps it creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. Taste it often. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or Italian herbs as needed.

Suggestions for Plating and Presentation

Plating is key to making your dish shine. Serve the chicken on a bed of pasta or alongside crispy garlic bread. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken for a beautiful look. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for color and flavor. A slice of lemon or fresh parsley adds a nice touch too. This makes your plate pop and enhances enjoyment.

Variations

Adding Vegetables for Extra Nutrition

You can boost the nutrition of this dish by adding more veggies. Try bright bell peppers, sweet zucchini, or crunchy broccoli. These veggies not only add color but also bring vitamins and fiber. Simply chop them into small pieces and add them to the skillet after the garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes before adding the broth. This way, they will cook through but still stay crisp.

Protein Swaps for Different Meats

Feel free to swap the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu work well in this dish. If you use shrimp, cook them until pink, then remove them before adding the garlic. For turkey, use cutlets that are about the same size as chicken breasts. Tofu can be cubed and sautéed until golden. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture to this creamy dish.

Dairy-Free or Lighter Sauce Options

If you want a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Both choices will change the flavor slightly but will still taste great. For a lighter option, reduce the amount of cheese by half. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness without extra calories.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Cover it tightly to keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option.

Reheating Tips for Best Results

When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This will help bring back its smooth texture.

Freezing Instructions for Meal Prep

To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can soak the chicken in cold water for about an hour. Always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you need a substitute for heavy cream, consider using half-and-half or coconut milk. Both options can work well in this recipe. For a lighter version, mix milk with a little butter. This keeps the creamy taste while reducing fat.

How do I make this recipe ahead of time?

To make this dish ahead, cook the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and add it to the sauce. This keeps everything fresh and tasty.

This blog covered all you need for a tasty chicken dish. You learned about the right ingredients, tools, and options for dietary needs. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing the chicken and creamy sauce. Plus, I gave tips on keeping the chicken juicy and perfecting sauce consistency. You also saw how to add variations and store leftovers.

Keep these tips in mind. They will help you cook great meals every time. Enjoy your cooking!

- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional) - Large skillet - Wooden spoon - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board - Plate and foil - For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast. - Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. - Use gluten-free broth if needed. - For lower fat, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. First, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds lots of flavor. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with foil to keep warm. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells good, but don’t let it burn. Then, carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the skillet. This adds great flavor to your sauce. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Now, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over it. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This warms the chicken and lets it soak up the sauce. Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. If you like, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. This adds color and freshness to your meal. To keep chicken juicy, start with fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Season them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use a hot skillet to sear the chicken. This helps lock in moisture. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and reach 165°F. Don’t skip covering the cooked chicken with foil. This keeps it warm and juicy while you make the sauce. For a smooth sauce, stir the cream and cheese slowly. Use low heat after adding these ingredients. This helps avoid lumps and keeps it creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. Taste it often. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or Italian herbs as needed. Plating is key to making your dish shine. Serve the chicken on a bed of pasta or alongside crispy garlic bread. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken for a beautiful look. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for color and flavor. A slice of lemon or fresh parsley adds a nice touch too. This makes your plate pop and enhances enjoyment. {{image_4}} You can boost the nutrition of this dish by adding more veggies. Try bright bell peppers, sweet zucchini, or crunchy broccoli. These veggies not only add color but also bring vitamins and fiber. Simply chop them into small pieces and add them to the skillet after the garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes before adding the broth. This way, they will cook through but still stay crisp. Feel free to swap the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu work well in this dish. If you use shrimp, cook them until pink, then remove them before adding the garlic. For turkey, use cutlets that are about the same size as chicken breasts. Tofu can be cubed and sautéed until golden. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture to this creamy dish. If you want a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Both choices will change the flavor slightly but will still taste great. For a lighter option, reduce the amount of cheese by half. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness without extra calories. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Cover it tightly to keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This will help bring back its smooth texture. To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can soak the chicken in cold water for about an hour. Always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, consider using half-and-half or coconut milk. Both options can work well in this recipe. For a lighter version, mix milk with a little butter. This keeps the creamy taste while reducing fat. To make this dish ahead, cook the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and add it to the sauce. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. This blog covered all you need for a tasty chicken dish. You learned about the right ingredients, tools, and options for dietary needs. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing the chicken and creamy sauce. Plus, I gave tips on keeping the chicken juicy and perfecting sauce consistency. You also saw how to add variations and store leftovers. Keep these tips in mind. They will help you cook great meals every time. Enjoy your cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Spinach

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Spinach Delight! This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and savory garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Don't miss out on making this delicious meal tonight! Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook each side for approximately 6-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, covering it loosely with foil to keep warm.

      In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant, taking care not to allow it to burn, which can lead to bitterness.

        Carefully pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This will add depth to your sauce.

          Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy without any lumps.

            Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring continuously for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and is tender.

              Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, spooning the luscious creamy sauce over the top. Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and well coated with the sauce.

                Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning, as needed, to suit your palate.

                  If desired, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, to add a pop of color and freshness.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of pasta or alongside garlic bread. A sprinkling of additional Parmesan and a slice of lemon can elevate the dish visually and add a delightful freshness.

                        WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?