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One-Pan, 30-Minute Creamy Spinach Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Tender chicken breasts seared in one pan and smothered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach, ready in 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (2) skinless boneless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • black pepper freshly coarsely ground
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 tablespoons fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with ¼ teaspoon salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon flour. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, add 1.5 cups heavy cream and 5 minced garlic cloves. Bring to a boil, scraping the bottom, then reduce to low-medium heat. Stir in ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese until melted, about 2-4 minutes.
  3. Add 4 cups fresh spinach and stir until wilted and sunk into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
  4. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over top, and simmer for 1-2 minutes to reheat. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.

Notes

Use a cast-iron skillet for even searing and sauce development. Do not overcook chicken to keep it moist and tender. Spinach wilts significantly, so 4 cups packs in veggies without overpowering. Freshly shredded Parmesan melts better than pre-grated.

  • Author: Olivia Bennett
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 25g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg