Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce
This Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce, enhanced with fresh spinach. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels gourmet but is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
For Garnish:
- Freshly chopped parsley or basil
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures the chicken sears well.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Make the Spinach Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. These bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. The cheese will help thicken the sauce as it melts.
- Add the Italian seasoning, and season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. The spinach will add a vibrant green color and a healthy element to the dish.
3. Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure each piece is well-coated.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes to absorb the flavors. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or cream.
- Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Before serving, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
- Sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like your dish extra cheesy.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad would also complement the richness of the dish.
Tips for Success
- Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking. Alternatively, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides a smoother sauce compared to pre-grated cheese. It’s worth the extra effort!
- Spinach: If you prefer, you can substitute fresh spinach with baby spinach or even frozen spinach. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
- Variations: You can easily customize this dish by adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
This Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!