This chicken in creamy spinach Parmesan sauce is an unbeatable recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety sauce made from spinach, Parmesan, and cream. The addition of mushrooms, shallots, and garlic enhances the flavor, making this dish both comforting and delicious. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Let’s get started on this easy and satisfying recipe!
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: 500 g (1.1 lbs), sliced into portions
- Frozen Spinach: 300 g (10.6 oz), thawed and squeezed of excess water
- Broth: 100 ml (1/2 cup)
- Cream: 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons)
- Mushrooms: 300 g (10.6 oz), cleaned and sliced
- Parmesan Cheese: 50 g (1.8 oz), grated
- Shallot: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 1 clove, finely chopped
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Dried Oregano: to taste
- Olive Oil: for cooking
Servings: 4
Total Time: 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Spinach and Chicken
- Thaw and Squeeze Spinach: Thaw the spinach and squeeze out any excess water. Set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Wash the chicken breasts, pat them dry with paper towels, and season with salt and dried oregano on both sides.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Pan: In a large pan, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
- Cook the Shallot and Garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped shallot and garlic. Sauté in the leftover frying fat until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
4. Cook the Mushrooms
- Fry the Mushrooms: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Deglaze with Cream and Broth: In the pan with the shallots and garlic, pour in the 200 ml of cream and 100 ml of broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Mushrooms: Add the cooked mushrooms to the sauce and simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the prepared spinach and 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine with the Chicken
- Return Chicken to the Pan: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, nestling it in the creamy spinach sauce. Allow the chicken to heat through for about 2 minutes, ensuring it’s well coated with the sauce.
7. Serve
- Plate and Enjoy: Serve the chicken in creamy spinach Parmesan sauce hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Total Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 380 mg
Tips for the Best Chicken in Creamy Spinach Parmesan Sauce
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and fresh garlic will greatly enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Customize Flavors: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
This chicken in creamy spinach Parmesan sauce is a rich, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting dinner. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxurious sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious meal with your loved ones!