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Creamy garlic parmesan chicken with spinach in a skillet, rich creamy sauce, easy one-pan 30-minute chicken dinner recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Spinach Skillet

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken with spinach in a rich, savory sauce—this easy one-pan 30-minute dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and family comfort meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, American Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 447 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • Tongs (for turning chicken)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts large
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1½  cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 4 cups spinach fresh
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chili flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add chicken broth and scrape the pan (this builds flavor).
  • Stir in cream, parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  • Return chicken to the pan and coat in sauce.
  • Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
    • Don’t let the cream sauce boil—keep it at a gentle simmer after adding the heavy cream and parmesan. If it boils too hard, the sauce can split and turn grainy instead of staying smooth and silky.
    For extra richness, add the parmesan off the heat and stir it in slowly so it melts evenly into the sauce.

Notes

  • This creamy garlic parmesan chicken is a quick and easy one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Ready in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal fast family meal or weeknight dinner recipe.
  • Best served with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • For extra flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, richer sauce.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick to balance the creamy garlic sauce.
  • Chicken breasts can be substituted with chicken thighs for a juicier texture and deeper flavor.
  • Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and lightness to this rich and creamy dish.
  • The sauce naturally thickens as it simmers—avoid boiling to keep it silky and smooth.
  • Perfect for easy one-pan dinner ideas, quick chicken recipes, and family-friendly meals.
  • Great make-ahead option—stores well for meal prep lunches or next-day leftovers.
  • Reheats beautifully over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • Highly searched variation keywords include: creamy garlic parmesan chicken, 30-minute chicken dinner, and easy skillet chicken recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 447kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 33gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 678mgPotassium: 602mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2471IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 296mgIron: 1mg
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