Name: One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488956H42M5S
Total time: PT-488956H42M5S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese; 4 cups fresh spinach; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of thyme, basil, oregano); 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach is a comforting, rich, and flavor-packed meal that comes together in just one skillet. Juicy chicken breasts are simmered in a creamy garlic sauce with tender spinach stirred in at the end. It’s the kind of dinner I turn to when I want something hearty but don’t want to deal with a mountain of dishes afterward.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers on both taste and convenience. The creamy sauce is luxuriously smooth without being too heavy, and the spinach adds a fresh, slightly earthy contrast that balances the richness. Since it’s made in one pan, cleanup is easy, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights when I want something homemade but hassle-free. One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil or butter
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Grated parmesan cheese
Fresh spinach
Italian seasoning or dried herbs (thyme, basil, oregano)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Then, I transfer it to a plate and keep it warm.
In the same pan, I sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
I stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly.
I add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth, then I toss in the spinach and let it wilt in the sauce.
I return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top, letting everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to cook, so I usually have dinner on the table in under 35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
Swapping the cream for coconut milk gives it a dairy-free twist with a subtle sweetness.
Adding a splash of white wine before the cream adds a little acidity and brightness to the sauce.
For extra greens, I mix in kale or arugula along with the spinach.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving also works, though I stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, I can. I just make sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the sauce to avoid thinning it out too much.

What can I serve this with?

I like serving it with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. Crusty bread works great too for dipping.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. If I want it thicker, I reduce it a bit longer or stir in extra parmesan cheese.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

I check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C), or I slice into the thickest part to make sure it’s no longer pink inside.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as I check that all ingredients (especially the broth and cheese) are certified gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach is the kind of dinner I can always count on—quick, satisfying, and full of comforting flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights when I still want something homemade and hearty, and the creamy sauce with tender spinach always hits the spot. It’s a keeper in my weekly dinner rotation.