If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and quick dinner, this One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach is exactly what you need. It’s packed with tender chicken, a velvety garlic cream sauce, and fresh spinach—all made in one pan for easy cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The creamy sauce is rich but balanced, the chicken stays juicy, and everything comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s family-friendly, low-carb adaptable, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 3–5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add butter, onions, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cream cheese. Simmer and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce. Simmer briefly until heated through.
- Garnish with basil and serve your One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach over pasta or cauliflower rice.
Tips & Tricks
- Pound chicken evenly for faster cooking
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce
- Add mushrooms for extra depth
- Let the sauce simmer longer for a thicker texture
- Swap spinach with kale if needed
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Low-carb adaptable, gluten-free
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
- For keto, pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
- Add grilled shrimp for variation
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 38g
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or add a bit more cream cheese.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but cream-based sauces may slightly change texture.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, when served without pasta or with low-carb sides.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of broth
Similar Recipes
One Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 3–5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add butter, onions, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cream cheese. Simmer and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce. Simmer briefly until heated through.
- Garnish with basil and serve your One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach over pasta or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
- For keto, pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
- Add grilled shrimp for variation
Conclusion
This One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.