Ah, creamy chicken in a blanket of cheesy spinach – that’s pure comfort food right there. This recipe has become a regular in my weeknight rotation for a few reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful – the sun-dried tomatoes add a depth of flavor that takes this dish beyond your average chicken and spinach combo. Second, it’s shockingly easy to make. 30 minutes from start to finish, and you’ve got a satisfying and healthy-ish (we can all indulge sometimes, proper?) meal on the table.

As a chef who’s always looking for ways to add more veggies to my diet, this recipe hits the spot. The hidden spinach adds a nice nutritional boost without overpowering the dish. Plus, the creamy Parmesan sauce is just so good. You’ll be tempted to lick the plate clean (don’t worry, I won’t judge).

Now, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small jar (about 6 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (or more, if you’re a veggie lover like me!)

Instructions for Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce

• Prep is Key:  Pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures they brown beautifully in the pan. Season them generously with salt and pepper.  In the meantime, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
• Golden Chicken: Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.  We’re not looking to overcook them here – juicy chicken is the goal! Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
• Flavor Explosion: Now, let’s build that fantastic sauce! Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and melt it over medium heat. Toss in the minced onion and garlic, and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Sun-Dried Goodness:  Here comes the secret weapon – those chopped sun-dried tomatoes! Add them to the pan with the oregano and cook for another minute, letting all those flavors mingle.
• Creamy Dreamland:  Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (those are the flavor bombs!). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Then, whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy—season with additional salt and pepper to your taste.
• Spinach Time: Now for the green goodness! Add the spinach to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until wilted. This should only take about a minute.
• Back to the Chicken:  Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the pan and spoon the luscious sauce over them. Let everything simmer for another minute or two to heat through.
• Dinner is Served! Plate your creamy chicken in a spinach parmesan sauce, and savor every delicious bite.

Serving and Sides

This recipe yields 2 generous servings. Pair it with fluffy rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that soaks up all that fantastic sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus would also complement it perfectly.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce is a fuss-free recipe that delivers on flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen but still want a satisfying and nutritious meal. So, next time you’re craving comfort food, try this recipe. It’ll become a weeknight staple in your home, too!

FAQ:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a more flavorful cut of meat and will work beautifully in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs take a few minutes longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

No worries! You can substitute with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste or a handful of chopped fresh cherry tomatoes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can!  Cook the chicken and sauce according to your time and fridge it.