Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Skill Level: Easy | Servings: 4

This indulgent yet balanced one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious, velvety garlic and Parmesan sauce, with fresh spinach adding a pop of color and nutrition. It’s comfort food that feels elegant, comes together in under an hour, and will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g), pounded to even thickness

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 substitute)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• 8 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 5 oz / 140g)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the chicken, lightly coating each piece.

2. Sear the Chicken:

In a large skillet or pan (with high sides), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken to a clean plate and set aside. Tent loosely with foil.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 60-90 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil vigorously). Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.

4. Incorporate Spinach & Finish:

Add the fresh spinach to the simmering sauce. Stir gently until the spinach is just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Return the seared chicken breasts and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes.

5. Serve:

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the incredible sauce.

---

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values based on 1 chicken breast with ¼ of the sauce, using heavy cream.

• Calories: 580 kcal

• Total Fat: 41g

  • Saturated Fat: 22g

• Cholesterol: 195mg

• Sodium: 550mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 10g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 2g

• Protein: 42g

• Vitamin A: 110% DV

• Vitamin C: 20% DV

• Calcium: 25% DV

• Iron: 15% DV

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using a database and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise dietary needs, consider calculating with your exact brands.