Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach is the perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy textures, making it an ideal dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. This dish is full of depth, with the garlic and Italian seasoning infusing the chicken and sauce with incredible flavor.
Whether you’re a garlic lover or someone who enjoys creamy, comforting dishes, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. The addition of spinach not only boosts the dish’s nutritional value but also adds a beautiful pop of color to the plate. The creamy sauce, with its rich combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan, makes every bite indulgent. Easy to prepare and ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Simple Ingredients
Made with just a few everyday ingredients, this recipe brings out the best flavors without requiring complicated steps or exotic spices.
2. Quick and Easy
It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying.
3. Creamy and Comforting
The garlic cream sauce is rich and indulgent, enveloping the chicken and spinach in a smooth, velvety texture.
4. Packed with Flavor
The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning creates a deliciously savory sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
5. Versatile
You can easily make this dish your own by adding different vegetables, adjusting the seasoning, or pairing it with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh spinach
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Variations
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms with the garlic for added flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Use Different Greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with kale or arugula for a different taste.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat.
- Cheese Options: While Parmesan is traditional, you could use other cheeses like Asiago, Romano, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the creamy garlic chicken with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a low-carb version.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits left from the chicken. Once simmering, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the sauce. Once the spinach is wilted, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is well-coated and heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the creamy garlic chicken with spinach immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Be sure not to overcook the chicken breasts to keep them juicy and tender. Use a meat thermometer if necessary—165°F is the ideal internal temperature.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will wilt perfectly in the sauce. Avoid using frozen spinach, as it may release too much liquid.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use a combination of cheeses for extra richness, but be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as some cheeses are saltier than others.
How to Serve
Serve this creamy garlic chicken with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, to soak up the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables would also complement the richness of the dish. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy garlic chicken with spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Freezing
While the sauce may change in texture after freezing, you can still freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To prevent the sauce from separating, gently reheat over low heat and stir frequently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs would work well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream or another dairy-free cream substitute and skip the Parmesan cheese.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce. You can also add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it quickly.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
5. How long does this dish keep in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store in an airtight container.
6. Can I freeze the creamy garlic chicken?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
7. Can I use frozen spinach?
Fresh spinach is recommended for the best texture, but frozen spinach can be used if necessary. Just make sure to drain excess liquid before adding it to the sauce.
8. What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy garlic chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or a simple green salad.
9. Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?
Using low-fat cream may result in a less creamy sauce, but it can work if you want to reduce the fat content.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any flour or gluten-containing ingredients.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of seared chicken, a rich garlic cream sauce, and fresh spinach creates a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Whether served with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Easy to prepare and full of savory goodness, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.
PrintCreamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach: A Rich and Flavorful Meal
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy garlic chicken with spinach is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts, a velvety garlic cream sauce, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s both comforting and packed with savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add the spinach: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, then add the fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine the chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may not be as rich.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness if you like.
- For more flavor, sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Keywords: Garlic chicken, Creamy chicken, Chicken with spinach, Comfort food, Chicken recipe, Garlic cream sauce