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: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup fresh spinach; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Classics

I absolutely adore this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Skillet! It’s a quick, comforting meal that perfectly blends succulent chicken breasts with vibrant spinach in a silky, rich sauce. I often whip this up on busy weeknights, and it never fails to impress. The creaminess of the sauce beautifully complements the tender chicken, making each bite utterly delicious. Plus, the fresh spinach adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition. It’s truly a dish I can rely on to satisfy cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Jasmine Porter

Last updated on 2026-02-07T21:43:36.234Z

When I first made this dish, I was looking for a way to make chicken and veggies exciting. I decided to add a rich cream sauce, and the result was a delightful surprise! The key is to allow the chicken to sear before introducing the cream, which helps lock in the juices and adds a depth of flavor.

The moment the cream and spinach blended together in the skillet, an incredible aroma filled the kitchen. I realized that using fresh spinach instead of frozen made a huge difference, providing a vibrant color and texture that's hard to resist. This meal is definitely on my regular rotation!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Lush, creamy sauce that's full of flavor
Easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
Nutritious spinach balances the dish beautifully

Perfecting the Chicken

Searing the chicken properly is crucial to achieving a delicious golden-brown crust. Make sure your skillet is hot enough—medium heat is generally ideal. If you notice sticking, give the chicken another minute before trying to flip it. I recommend using a meat thermometer; chicken is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F, which also keeps it juicy. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so keep an eye on it while it cooks.

Once you've seared the chicken, it's a good practice to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing the overall flavor and texture. If you slice too soon, you may lose those flavorful juices and end up with drier chicken.

Elevating the Creamy Sauce

The richness of the sauce in this recipe is due to the combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heavy cream not only adds creaminess but also creates a luxurious mouthfeel that perfectly coats the chicken. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or a lower-fat milk, though this may alter the sauce's richness.

Incorporating fresh spinach not only boosts nutritional value but also enhances the dish's visual appeal. To ensure the spinach retains its vibrant color, add it last, cooking just until it wilts. This quick cook time prevents it from becoming overly soggy while still infusing the sauce with its flavor. If you prefer a slightly earthier taste, you might also experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Skillet is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your preferences. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even quinoa for a filling meal. Adding roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms can elevate the dish, introducing new textures and flavors that complement the creamy sauce beautifully. I love to top it off with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for an added kick.

If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, just reheat the sauce gently over low heat before combining with the chicken. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to break or separate, compromising its creamy texture.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh spinach
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until dissolved, then add the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach has wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it. Cook for an additional minute to heat through, then serve hot with your favorite side dish.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

Ingredient Storage Tips

To keep your chicken breasts fresh, store them in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Make sure they're in an airtight container, which helps prevent bacterial growth. If you buy in bulk, consider freezing individual portions. Properly wrapped, chicken can be frozen for up to nine months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator the night before cooking.

For the spinach, freshness is key. Store it in a breathable bag or container in the fridge. Use it within a few days for optimal taste and texture. If you have leftover spinach, consider adding it to salads or smoothies for a nutritional boost without wasting any ingredients.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find your sauce is too thick, don't hesitate to thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water. This can also enhance the flavor without compromising the dish's integrity. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken to your desired consistency.

Should your chicken turn out dry despite following the cooking time, next time consider brining it in a simple saltwater solution for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This technique adds moisture, making the chicken extra juicy while also infusing subtle flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach provides better texture and flavor, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a simple green salad to complement the rich flavors.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and omit the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.