If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, this Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts swimming in a rich, velvety sauce bursting with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and sharp Parmesan cheese. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests. Let’s dive into how you can bring this cozy skillet delight to your table with ease and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting that amazing blend of flavors, textures, and colors you’ll love. From fresh spinach to creamy Parmesan, these simple staples come together beautifully.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein foundation, providing juicy, tender meat when cooked just right.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps sear the chicken to a perfect golden crust.
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced): Brings an earthy, umami flavor and a meaty texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 3 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, slightly sweet taste that balances the richness of the cream.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic depth you’ll notice with every bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that makes this dish feel indulgent.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty kick that elevates the sauce and ties all the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds subtle savory notes and helps deglaze the pan for extra flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that perfectly complements the creamy sauce and vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enriches the mushrooms and sauce with a silky finish and depth of flavor.
How to Make Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial for bringing out the natural flavors and ensuring every bite is well-seasoned.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until they reach a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest—this keeps it juicy and tender.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the butter, letting it melt and mingle with any leftover chicken juices. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re nicely browned and tender. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step keeps the garlic from burning and becoming bitter.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Build the Sauce
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir gently until it wilts down and becomes vibrant green. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Then stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, giving it time to thicken slightly and become irresistibly creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the luscious sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to blend all those flavors. The chicken will soak up the creamy goodness, and your dish is ready to serve warm and delicious.
How to Serve Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes can really elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise. Consider sprinkling a bit more grated Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of green and herbal freshness.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides—imagine it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, tossed with your favorite pasta, or served alongside a fluffy rice pilaf. Light roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also make great companions, balancing the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely twist, serve the chicken slicing each breast and fanning the pieces over the sauce on the plate. You can also try plating it in shallow bowls to catch every drop of that delicious creamy sauce, making it perfect for dipping with crusty bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it rests.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, pack it in a freezer-safe container without the fresh spinach (spinach can get watery after freezing). You can add fresh spinach when reheating. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help refresh the sauce’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add an extra layer of juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through completely.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes! You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for heavy cream. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still taste delicious and creamy.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
It already is! None of the ingredients contain gluten, making it a naturally gluten-free dish perfect for sensitive diets.
What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
You can use water with a bit of extra seasoning or a splash of white wine to add flavor while deglazing the pan. Just be sure to adjust salt accordingly.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can slice and sauté the mushrooms and garlic in advance and store them in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, just finish the sauce and sear the chicken fresh for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a wonderful way to bring comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your dinner table without any fuss. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved dish to keep in your weeknight rotation. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you might just find your new favorite meal that everyone asks for again and again!
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Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a rich and comforting skillet meal featuring tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious sauce made with fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, this recipe is both low carb and gluten-free, pairing wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms for about 5 minutes until they become browned and tender.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, combining it well with the mushrooms and garlic.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Then add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over the top, and let all ingredients simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally alongside your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lower-fat variation, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- This dish pairs excellently with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- You can add fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for extra flavor if desired.
- Use gluten-free chicken broth to keep the dish fully gluten-free.
