One-Pan Creamy Spinach Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Introduction

This 30-Min Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Spinach is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. Everything cooks in one pan for easy prep and cleanup, resulting in tender chicken smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce with fresh spinach. For more one-pan comfort food, try this Easy One Pan Baked Ranch Chicken With Broccoli And Bacon Recipe or this Chicken Pasta in Creamy White Wine Parmesan Cheese Sauce Recipe.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a rich and savory dish where tender chicken and fresh spinach are enveloped in a luxuriously creamy garlic parmesan sauce.

• 1 lb (about 2) skinless boneless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Black pepper, freshly coarsely ground
• 1 tablespoon flour (all-purpose or gluten-free blend)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, for garnish

Timing

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

Context: This streamlined one-pan, 30-minute creamy spinach chicken with garlic parmesan sauce is about 25% faster than similar multi-pan recipes, getting a complete, elegant dinner on the table in half an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan cheese, and measure out your cream, broth, and spinach. Having everything ready is key for this fast, one-pan creamy spinach chicken.

Step 2 — Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3 — Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as it will make the sauce bitter.

Step 4 — Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits (this adds great flavor). Let it simmer for a minute, then stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 5 — Add Cheese and Spinach

Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Then, add the fresh spinach in handfuls, stirring until each batch wilts before adding more. This should only take 2–3 minutes total.

Step 6 — Finish and Serve

Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the creamy spinach and garlic Parmesan sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Serve your one-pan, 30-minute creamy spinach chicken immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Approx. 420
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	8g
Fat	26g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	680mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. This One-Pan, 30-Minute Creamy Spinach Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is also a good source of Vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Recipe Variations & Swaps

This one-pan, 30-minute creamy spinach chicken with garlic parmesan sauce is wonderfully adaptable. Here are practical ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

• Protein Swap: Turkey or Pork — Use thin-cut turkey or pork cutlets for a leaner option with a slightly milder flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a dusting of grated parmesan to coat the chicken, keeping the sauce rich but reducing carbs.
• Dairy-Free Version — Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan alternative for the cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — Simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, ensuring the entire dish is gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Twist — Opt for low-sodium chicken broth, reduce or omit added salt, and use a fresh garlic parmesan sauce made with a high-quality, lower-sodium parmesan cheese.
• Veggie Boost — Add sun-dried tomatoes or sliced mushrooms to the pan with the spinach for an extra layer of savory, umami depth.
• Lighter Cream Sauce — For a less rich sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
• Herb Variation — Stir in a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or a handful of fresh basil at the end to brighten the flavor profile of your creamy spinach chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• For a classic, comforting meal, serve this One-Pan, 30-Minute Creamy Spinach Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Sauce over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed white rice to soak up every bit of the luxurious sauce.
• Keep it light and low-carb by pairing the chicken and sauce with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple side salad dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough for casual entertaining. Serve it with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette for dipping and a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• For a complete, colorful plate, add quick-roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus right in the same pan during the last few minutes of cooking, or serve with a side of buttery corn or green beans.
• Elevate your plating by spooning the creamy spinach chicken onto a warm plate, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil, and a crack of black pepper for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
• Transform leftovers into a new meal by shredding the chicken and tossing it with cooked pasta, or using it as a delicious filling for stuffed peppers or a savory crepe filling the next day.

The beauty of this One-Pan, 30-Minute Creamy Spinach Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is its versatility, making it easy to adapt to any taste or occasion for a satisfying dinner everyone will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan, which steams the chicken instead of searing it. Fix: Cook in batches or use a large skillet to ensure each piece gets a proper golden crust.
• Mistake: Adding garlic too early, causing it to burn and turn bitter. Fix: Sauté the garlic for just 30-60 seconds after the chicken is removed, before deglazing.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded parmesan, which contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Fix: Always grate a block of parmesan cheese fresh for a smooth, creamy melt.
• Mistake: Adding spinach all at once, making it wilt unevenly and release too much water. Fix: Add the spinach in handfuls, letting each batch wilt slightly before adding more.
• Mistake: Pouring cold cream directly into a hot pan, which can cause it to curdle or separate. Fix: Let the cream sit out briefly to take the chill off, and stir constantly as you add it.
• Mistake: Not properly seasoning the chicken before cooking, leading to a bland final dish. Fix: Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper at least 5 minutes before cooking.
• Mistake: Skipping the deglazing step, leaving flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Fix: After searing chicken, add a splash of broth or white wine to scrape up the fond—this is your flavor base.
• Mistake: Cooking the chicken to well-done in the first step, resulting in dry, tough meat after simmering in the sauce. Fix: Sear the chicken until just cooked through (165°F), as it will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce.
• Mistake: Rushing the sauce thickening process by cranking up the heat, which can scorch the dairy. Fix: Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes; it will naturally thicken as the liquid reduces.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your One-Pan, 30-Minute Creamy Spinach Chicken completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the creamy spinach chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the garlic parmesan sauce. You can also microwave single portions, stirring every 30 seconds, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

For best quality, avoid repeated reheating. The spinach may soften further upon storage, but the rich, creamy flavor of this easy chicken dish will remain delicious.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Creamy Spinach Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Sauce proves that a delicious, satisfying dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight win. We hope you love it! Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. For another fantastic skillet meal, check out our Smoked Paprika Chicken With Creamed Spinach Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding it to the pan. This prevents the creamy sauce from becoming too watery in your One-Pan, 30-Minute Creamy Spinach Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter sauce, substitute full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half. Avoid using milk, as it may curdle. The sauce will still be rich and perfect for this one-pan chicken dish.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.