Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal made with juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach all simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a quick and comforting dish perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan simplicity: Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps.
- Rich, creamy flavor: A luscious sauce made with cream and Parmesan brings everything together.
- Nutritious: Includes lean protein, leafy greens, and mushrooms.
- Quick cooking: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or serve as-is for a low-carb meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Mushrooms (such as cremini or button), sliced
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add butter to the same pan. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and browned.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reheat.
- Serve: Garnish with red pepper flakes or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add pasta: Stir in cooked pasta for a creamy, complete meal.
- Swap greens: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
- Lighter option: Use milk or half-and-half in place of cream.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great choice and often stay juicier during cooking.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
Cremini, button, or baby bella mushrooms all work well in this dish.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, cook as directed and reheat gently before serving.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What can I serve this with?
Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty bread.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not ideal as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer a bit longer or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your chicken broth and cheese are gluten-free certified.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely—zucchini, bell peppers, or peas make tasty additions.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet is a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s simple to make and hard to resist. With its creamy sauce and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Perfect for family dinners, it’s as satisfying as it is easy.
Print
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and savory one-skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté mushrooms until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes.
- Serve hot with your choice of side like rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Can substitute milk and a bit of flour for a lighter sauce.
- Great served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg