Description
A simple and delicious one-pan creamy chicken and spinach skillet recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features tender chicken, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach, tightly packed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken pieces in an even layer. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously until fragrant. Take care not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Cook, stirring gently, for about 3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and start releasing their juices.
- Add Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts down, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine with the tomatoes and spinach, creating a smooth sauce.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spices: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, followed by the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently in the creamy sauce until it is well coated. Allow everything to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the chicken warms up without overcooking.
- Finish and Serve: Once everything is well mixed and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and flavor right before serving.
Notes
- Serve this creamy chicken dish over a bed of rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a refreshing touch, add a wedge of lemon on the side.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal (will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size)
- Sugar: Approximately 3-5g
- Sodium: Approximately 300-500mg (will vary based on salt added and cheese)
- Fat: Approximately 30-40g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8-12g
- Fiber: Approximately 2-4g
- Protein: Approximately 35-45g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 120-150mg