Description
Juicy, golden pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, garlicky creamed spinach sauce with Parmesan and mozzarella. This comforting one-skillet dinner is elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional)
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese, mozzarella (if using), nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamed spinach over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
- Serve hot with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
Frozen spinach can be used; thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor variation.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to maintain sauce texture.
Freezing is not recommended as cream-based sauces may separate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
