One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach is a rich, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, a velvety cream sauce, and fresh spinach—all in one pan. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights while still delivering restaurant-quality flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach is incredibly satisfying and simple to make. The creamy garlic sauce pairs perfectly with juicy chicken, while spinach adds freshness and balance. It’s family-friendly, low-carb adaptable, and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts or tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups spinach leaves
- Optional: chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 3–5 minutes per side until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add butter, onion, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach. Simmer until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce. Let it warm through.
- Serve your One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach with fresh basil if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Pound chicken evenly for faster, even cooking.
- Let the sauce simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice for variety.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pan
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Low-carb option available
Notes
- Substitute spinach with kale if preferred.
- Add extra garlic for a stronger flavor.
- Great with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 32g
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice are great options.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or add a little extra Parmesan cheese.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (sauce texture may slightly change)
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream
Similar Recipes
One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts or tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups spinach leaves
- Optional: chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 3–5 minutes per side until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add butter, onion, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach. Simmer until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce. Let it warm through.
- Serve your One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Substitute spinach with kale if preferred.
Conclusion
One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach is a simple yet indulgent meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.