Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet

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

  1. 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.
  2. Sauté Mushrooms: Add butter to the same pan. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and browned.
  3. Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine: Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reheat.
  6. 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.

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Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet

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  • Author: clara
  • 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

Units Scale
  • 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

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. 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.
  3. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté mushrooms until browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes.
  8. 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

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