One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach Recipe

If you’re searching for an easy Italian dinner that packs a creamy punch, you’re about to meet your weeknight hero: One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach all come together in a luscious sauce that feels fancy but is laughably simple to whip up, even on your busiest nights. The best part? This skillet wonder is finished in 20 minutes and only uses one pan, making cleanup just as breezy as dinner. One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach truly delivers soul-soothing comfort and impressive flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each item plays a starring role, building serious flavor and creamy texture without an ounce of fuss—plus, they lend some irresistible color to your plate.

• Olive oil: Creates a golden sear on the chicken and adds fruity richness to the sauce.
• Chicken breasts or tenderloins: The main protein, turning ultra-tender in the cream sauce; use boneless and skinless for quickest cooking.
• Butter: Adds a touch of buttery flavor and helps sauté the onions and garlic.
• Onion: Finely diced for a mild aromatic base; it melts right into the sauce.
• Garlic: Bring on the bold Italian flavor—fresh cloves are always best for fragrance.
• Crushed red pepper: Just a pinch for a subtle kick; adjust for your perfect level of heat.
• Heavy cream: Gives that signature luscious, velvety texture to every bite.
• Chicken broth: Balances richness and thins the sauce just enough for saucy perfection.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Brings tangy, umami pops and a gorgeous red color.
• Cream cheese: Softened to ensure the silkiest sauce possible; it adds body and a pleasant tang.
• Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, this staple adds depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Spinach leaves: Three cups may sound like a lot, but they quickly wilt down for a hit of green and a boost of nutrition.
• Optional fresh basil: An herbal flourish to finish—it’s optional, but so worth it for the aroma and color.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start with a large saucepan or deep skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Pat your chicken dry, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and lay it in the sizzling oil. Sear each side for 3 to 5 minutes—don’t move it around too much! You want that beautiful golden crust. Once it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you make the magic sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

To all those tasty golden bits left in the pan, add butter and let it melt. Toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper. Stir and cook for just a minute or two, letting everything become wonderfully fragrant and slightly softened. This base creates the backbone of flavor for the whole dish.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and softened cream cheese. Simmer them together over medium heat, whisking constantly as the cream cheese melts into the sauce. The mixture should become dreamy, creamy, and completely smooth. This is when the kitchen starts to smell absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Add Cheese and Spinach

Stir in the grated Parmesan and all your fresh spinach leaves. Don’t worry—it’ll look like a mountain at first, but the spinach wilts into the sauce in just a minute or two. If you like your sauce thicker, just let it simmer a bit longer. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Nestle the cooked chicken back into the pan, spooning some of that silky sauce over each piece. Let everything heat through for another minute so the flavors meld and the dish is piping hot. If you’re feeling fancy, shower with fresh chopped basil before serving. One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach is ready to wow your table!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil makes a world of difference, adding a burst of green and herbal fragrance right before serving. You can also add a dusting of extra Parmesan, a swirl of cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of good olive oil for a touch of gloss and depth.

Side Dishes

One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach is perfect on its own, but it loves a little company! Serve it over your favorite pasta to soak up all that sauce, spoon it on creamy mashed potatoes, or keep it light with a bed of cauliflower rice. A side of crusty bread is practically mandatory for swiping up every last bit of that incredible sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and arranging it over a platter of sauced spinach, family-style, for a rustic look. Or, for a cozy dinner party, plate each chicken breast with a pooled swirl of that creamy sauce, some bright microgreens, and a dash of red pepper flakes for color. You can even tuck bite-sized pieces into toasted rolls for the world’s most decadent creamy chicken sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any leftovers from your One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish keeps beautifully for up to three days and makes for a quick lunch that’s just as comforting as dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. The creamy sauce may separate a little when thawing, but a gentle stir while reheating will bring it right back together. It’s best enjoyed within a month for peak flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, just pop your creamy chicken and spinach in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth if needed, stirring until the sauce is smooth and bubbly. The microwave works in a pinch—just be sure to stir halfway through to avoid hot spots and maintain the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Simply skip the first step where you cook the chicken, and instead, add shredded or bite-sized rotisserie chicken to the sauce at the end. It’s a real time-saver and still delivers loads of flavor.

Will the sauce thicken as it rests?

Yes, the sauce naturally thickens as it sits (and especially as it cools), thanks to the cream and cheese. If you prefer a looser sauce, just add a splash of broth when reheating or serving.

Can I make One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach ahead for meal prep?

You sure can! Many fans love making it on Sunday and portioning it out for grab-and-go lunches or speedy dinners all week long. It reheats well and stays creamy with the tips above.

What type of spinach works best?

Baby spinach is most convenient, as the leaves are tender and don’t require chopping. If you use regular spinach, give it a rough chop so it wilts evenly into the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach is totally gluten-free as written! Just double-check that your chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes don’t contain any sneaky gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s something extra special about the combination found in One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach—it’s comforting, quick, and sure to win raves from everyone at your table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and find it becomes one of your favorite weeknight staples, just as it is at my house!

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