Hey y'all! If you're looking for a dish that's creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce is bound to become a new favorite. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich, velvety Parmesan and spinach sauce—making it a comforting meal that fits any occasion from cozy family dinners to easy entertaining. Ready to see how easy and delicious this recipe is? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce
- One-pan meal, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with nutritious spinach and high-protein chicken breast.
- Creamy Parmesan sauce delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.
- Versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or low-carb sides.
Ingredients for Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about half a lemon)
Directions for Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Spinach Parmesan Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Pour in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Parmesan
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add lemon juice, stirring to combine.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return chicken breasts to the pan, spooning sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 2-3 more minutes to heat through. Serve hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Notes: Tips for the Best Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce
- If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally to ensure even cooking.
- For extra creaminess, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded varieties (learn more about Parmesan here).
- If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
Variations on Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce
- Mushroom Twist: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra earthiness.
- Keto-Friendly: Use heavy cream and serve with cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Sundried Tomato: Stir in ¼ cup chopped sundried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy flavor boost.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen tongs or spatula
Storage Instructions for Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate.
Serving Recommendations for Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce
- Serve with al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices (why resting matters).
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook chicken in batches if necessary for even browning (how to sear chicken perfectly).
FAQs about Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce
- Can I use frozen spinach?
- Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the sauce.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- You can try coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but the flavor will change.
- What if my chicken isn’t cooked through after searing?
- Simply cover the skillet and simmer for a few extra minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Instructions
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1Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
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5Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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6Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
410cal
Protein:
40 gg
Fat:
25 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
5 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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