Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach: Quick Comfort Food

When you think of comfort food, nothing quite compares to a plate of creamy garlic chicken with spinach. Picture this: tender chicken, smothered in a luscious garlic sauce, with vibrant green spinach adding a pop of color and nutrition. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in a warm hug, inviting you to indulge. As you take that first bite, the rich flavors explode in your mouth, making every moment feel like a cozy gathering around the dinner table.

This dish has a special place in my heart; I vividly remember whipping it up for friends during one of those cold winter nights. We huddled together, giggling and sharing stories while savoring this creamy delight. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends. So grab your apron and prepare yourself for an unforgettable flavor experience!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This creamy garlic chicken with spinach is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners easy and delightful
  • The balance of flavors creates an irresistible dish everyone will love
  • With its beautiful presentation, this dish is sure to impress at any dinner party
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread!

I made this dish for a friend’s birthday once, and they couldn’t stop raving about it; even their picky eater kids asked for seconds!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.

  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

  • Fresh Spinach: Use fresh spinach for vibrant color and nutrients; frozen just won’t cut it here.

  • Heavy Cream: This adds that luscious creaminess; opt for full-fat versions for maximum indulgence.

  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness; no one wants a salty surprise!

  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce; skip the pre-grated stuff if possible.

  • Olive Oil: A splash of good-quality olive oil enhances flavor while cooking; it’s worth it!

  • Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all those delightful flavors; don’t be shy!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping your garlic finely. Ensure your chicken is thawed if frozen.

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the pan until golden brown on both sides.

Add Garlic & Spinach: Once chicken is cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side), remove from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds) before tossing in fresh spinach until wilted.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer while scraping up any tasty bits stuck on the bottom.

Melt in Parmesan Cheese: Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce until melted and creamy. Return chicken back into the skillet, allowing it to soak up all that deliciousness.

Serve & Enjoy!: Plate your creamy garlic chicken with spinach over pasta or rice if desired. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs to impress your guests!

Now that you’ve created this masterpiece of comfort food goodness, sit back and enjoy every bite! Each forkful delivers layers of flavor that will leave you craving more.

You Must Know

  • Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach is not only comforting but also quick to prepare
  • The fragrant aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen sets the mood for a cozy dinner
  • This dish is a delightful way to sneak in some greens without anyone noticing!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in that juicy flavor, then sautΓ© garlic and spinach while it cooks. This sequence ensures that everything is perfectly cooked and infused with flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes or nuts for extra texture and depth of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain creaminess without curdling.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For the best creamy texture, use full-fat cream instead of low-fat options to avoid a watery sauce
  • Don’t skip sautΓ©ing garlic until fragrant; this builds foundational flavor
  • Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure maximum deliciousness!

Cooking this creamy garlic chicken brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone would gather around the table, laughing and sharing stories while savoring every bite.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well; just ensure it’s thoroughly drained before adding.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes when sautΓ©ing garlic for a flavorful kick.

What should I serve with this creamy garlic chicken?

Serve it over pasta, rice, or even with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Print
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Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach


  • Author: Ethan Brooks
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Creamy garlic chicken with spinach is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, a rich garlic sauce, and vibrant spinach. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making it an irresistible meal that everyone will love. Whether served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this creamy delight is sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Β½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Mince garlic and ensure chicken breasts are thawed.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown on both sides (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
  3. SautΓ© garlic and spinach: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sautΓ© until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
  4. Create the sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Melt cheese and combine: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Return chicken to the skillet to soak up the flavors.
  6. Serve: Plate the creamy garlic chicken over pasta or rice if desired, garnishing with extra cheese or herbs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: SautΓ©ing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (200g)
  • Calories: 487
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: For added texture, consider including sun-dried tomatoes or nuts. Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different variation. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.

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