One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach

This One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach dish is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend treat. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The addition of fresh spinach brings a burst of color and nutrition, making this dish as wholesome as it is delicious. Serve it over pasta, rice, or for a low-carb option, over cauliflower rice. The best part? It all comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup finely diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups spinach leaves (about 3 ounces)
• Optional: chopped fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

• In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
• Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the butter, diced onions, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and softened cream cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

3. Add the Spinach and Parmesan:

• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach leaves. Let the sauce continue to simmer until the spinach has wilted and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

4. Combine and Serve:

• Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let the chicken warm through in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
• If using, garnish with freshly chopped basil for an added touch of freshness.
• Serve the creamy chicken and spinach over your choice of pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Tips:

• Creaminess Adjustment: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken back to the pan. For a thinner sauce, you can add a little extra chicken broth or cream.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely tangy-sweet flavor to the sauce. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or omit them entirely.
• Customization: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.

Serving Suggestion:
This dish is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a classic approach, pair it with pasta or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. If you’re watching your carbs, serving it over cauliflower rice is a great alternative. A side of crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.