Creamy Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms

Deliciously Creamy Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms

Hey there! If you’re looking for a cozy one-pan dinner that’s as delicious as it is easy to make, you’re in for a treat! This creamy chicken with spinach and mushrooms has quickly become a family favorite in my house, and I’m sure it will be in yours too. Not only is it packed full of flavor, but it also comes together in just one pan—who doesn’t love that convenience? Let’s get cooking!

Nutritional Benefits

This dish isn’t just comforting and tasty; it’s loaded with great nutrients too! The chicken provides a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and keeping your energy levels up. Meanwhile, the spinach adds a bunch of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron. Plus, mushrooms are rich in B vitamins and antioxidants. And let’s not forget that heavy cream can give you a bit of calcium and healthy fats—moderation is key, but creamy indulgence every now and then is totally okay!

Fun Variations to Make

• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste!
• For the Spice Lovers: Kick up the flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Herb Alternatives: Don’t have Italian seasoning on hand? Thyme, oregano, or basil would also work beautifully!

The Creamy Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Serves 4–6 people

Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This step is crucial for adding flavor!
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When it’s nice and hot, carefully throw in the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet to keep all those delicious flavors, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 4 minutes until they are beautifully browned. Then, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute—oh, the smell is divine!
4. Add Spinach: Now, stir in the fresh spinach. It’ll wilt down in just about 2 minutes, adding vibrant color and nutrients.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and don’t forget to scrape up those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; they’ll add amazing flavor! Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let your sauce thicken a bit while cooking for 3-4 minutes. It should become absolutely luscious!
7. Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into your delicious sauce. Spoon some of that creamy goodness on top before letting everything simmer together for another 3-5 minutes, so the chicken gets warmed through and all the flavors meld.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, then dig in! This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Practical Tips

• Want your chicken to be super tender? Make sure not to overcook it—check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F is your friend).
• Storage tip: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently to keep the chicken juicy!
• If you want to prep ahead, you can cut up your veggies and season your chicken earlier in the day—makes dinner time a breeze!

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy dish:

• A large skillet (preferably non-stick for easy cleanup)
• A cutting board and knife for prepping the chicken and veggies
• A measuring cup for the cream and broth
• A spoon for stirring
• A spatula for flipping the chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
3. Can I make this dish in advance? You can prep everything ahead of time and just put it together when you’re ready to eat.
4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked? Use a meat thermometer! It’s safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. What should I serve this with? This creamy chicken is delicious with rice, pasta, or even a side salad for something lighter.

I can’t wait for you to try this delicious creamy chicken with spinach and mushrooms! Let me know how it turns out or if you made any fun adaptations of your own. If you love this recipe, hop on over to my Pinterest page and follow for more delightful meals that make weeknight dinners a breeze!