Creamy Chicken And Spinach Skillet

Name: Creamy Chicken And Spinach Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: grated parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Simple Comfort Food Inspiration

I absolutely love this Creamy Chicken And Spinach Skillet! The tender chicken paired with vibrant spinach creates a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. I often make this after a long day, especially when I want something comforting but not overly complicated. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, thanks to a blend of herbs and garlic. It's perfect served over rice or pasta, and I always find myself going back for seconds, making it a hit with the whole family.

Created by

Thea Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:00:36.129Z

When I first tried making this Creamy Chicken And Spinach Skillet, I was blown away by how quickly it came together. I used fresh spinach straight from my garden, which added a lovely freshness to the dish. The key is to sauté the garlic just until it's fragrant before adding the cream; this ensures a rich, nuanced flavor that elevates the whole meal.

One important tip I learned is to let the chicken rest after cooking. This simple step locks in the juices, making each bite incredibly tender. Pairing it with a sprinkle of parmesan at the end provides a delightful touch that balances the creaminess beautifully!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that's bursting with flavor
Quick and easy to prepare, ready in 30 minutes
Nutritious spinach adds color and health benefits
Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner

Making the Most of Your Ingredients

The star of this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Skillet is, of course, the chicken. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quick cooking time and tender texture. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can also shred that and add it to the dish during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to absorb the creamy sauce without drying out.

Fresh spinach is not just a nutritional powerhouse; it wilts beautifully in the sauce, adding both vibrant color and a nutrient boost. If you can’t find fresh spinach, you can substitute with frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before adding to the pan, as excess water can dilute the creamy sauce.

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The heavy cream is key to achieving that rich and creamy sauce that coats each bite. I find that simmering the cream for a few minutes helps to thicken it slightly, enhancing the overall mouthfeel. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream alternative, but the texture will be less luxurious.

To deepen the flavor profile, consider incorporating a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. Allow it to reduce for a couple of minutes before adding the cream. This little step can elevate the sauce and bring a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

Serving and Storing Your Dish

For serving, this dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice or pasta, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. I often choose a fluffy jasmine rice, but any grain will work. If you're feeling adventurous, consider serving it over creamy polenta for an added twist.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra cream to keep the sauce from drying out. This dish also freezes well for up to a month; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smoother cooking experience.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: grated parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly before use.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best results!

Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet alongside the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Dish out the chicken and spinach mixture onto plates. If desired, top with grated parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your meal!

This dish goes wonderfully with rice or pasta.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving, which brightens up the dish nicely.

Variations to Try

For those looking to add a bit of spice, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the garlic sauté for a nice kick. Another great addition is sun-dried tomatoes, which introduce a tangy sweetness that contrasts well with the creaminess of the sauce. Simply toss them in alongside the spinach and let them warm through.

If you're a fan of herbs, experiment with adding fresh basil or parsley right before serving. Not only do these herbs provide a fresh burst of flavor, but they also enhance the presentation of the dish. Just chop them finely and sprinkle on top for a lovely finishing touch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce is too thin, continue simmering it for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. Stir regularly to prevent sticking. Conversely, if it's too thick, whisk in a little chicken broth or more cream until you reach your desired consistency. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as you go to ensure maximum flavor.

To prevent the chicken from becoming dry, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you notice your chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low to allow for even cooking while keeping it juicy inside.

Scaling the Recipe

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Skillet is easily scalable for larger gatherings. For every additional pound of chicken, consider increasing the cream by about half a cup, and adjust the seasoning accordingly. If serving a crowd, using a larger skillet ensures that everything cooks evenly without overcrowding—even heat is key for perfectly cooked chicken.

When planning a meal prep, you can double the recipe and store half in the freezer. This makes for a fantastic quick meal option later in the week. Just remember to label your containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness. Enjoy a delightful homemade meal anytime!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain it to remove excess water.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream if you want a lighter version.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat before adding spinach when serving.

→ Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it's low in carbs and fits well into a keto diet!