Looking for a dish that’s creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor? This creamy spinach chicken recipe hits all the right notes. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are enveloped in a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and fresh spinach. If you’re craving a hearty meal that tastes like it came straight from a Tuscan kitchen, this chicken Tuscan dish is perfect for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it the ideal weeknight dinner.
- Deliciously Creamy: The heavy cream sauce clings to the chicken and spinach, creating an unforgettable texture.
- Loaded with Spinach: A great way to sneak some greens into your meal while enjoying a decadent dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: Sun-dried tomatoes for extra Tuscan flavor
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Toss in the spinach, stirring until it wilts into the creamy sauce. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and stir to combine.
- Bring It All Together: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and soaked in the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the chicken with a generous helping of the creamy spinach sauce on top. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of garlic bread.
Why This Recipe :
- Cream Chicken Recipe: The combination of chicken and heavy cream creates an indulgent meal that will rank high for searches related to creamy chicken dishes.
- Chicken Tuscan: Featuring classic Italian flavors like spinach, garlic, and Parmesan, this dish hits the mark for those searching for Tuscan-inspired chicken recipes.
- Chicken Spinach Recipe: Spinach adds not only nutrition but vibrant color, making this recipe appealing to both your taste buds and food photographers alike.
- Chicken and Spinach Dishes: This recipe stands out with its creamy richness balanced by the freshness of spinach, making it a hit for both spinach and chicken lovers.
- Chicken Recipes with Heavy Cream: The thick, velvety sauce made with heavy cream is the star of this dish, ensuring it will attract users looking for that creamy touch in their meals.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Spinach Chicken:
- Season Well: Be generous with the seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and the richness of the cream.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Let the sauce thicken slowly for a smoother, creamier consistency.
- Add Some Heat: If you love a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne for an extra burst of flavor.
Pro Tips and Notes:
- Hashbrowns: For added texture, brown your hash browns in a skillet before layering them in the dish. Whether you use fresh or frozen, just ensure they’re fully defrosted to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole the night before! Follow the recipe through step 5, cover, and refrigerate. The next morning, simply pop it into the preheated oven and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Cheese Swap: While sharp cheddar gives this dish a bold, rich flavor, feel free to switch it up with Gruyere, Swiss, Gouda, or Mozzarella for a different twist.
- Double Up: Need to feed a crowd? No problem! This recipe can easily be doubled. Just grab a 9×13 pan and use the entire 32-ounce bag of hashbrowns. Adjust the bake time as needed.
- Egg-Lover’s Delight: If you prefer a thicker egg layer, feel free to add 2 more eggs to the custard mixture. You’ll just need to bake it for an additional 10 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Pan Size: Make sure you’re using a 9×9-inch or 11×7-inch dish for best results. A smaller pan might need extra baking time.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 200kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 578mg
- Potassium: 271mg
- Vitamin A: 355IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 172mg
- Iron: 1.3mg