Description
A velvety dish combining tender chicken with earthy mushrooms, nutrient-rich spinach, and a luscious garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add mushrooms and cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden-brown sear. Then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until mushrooms are tender and caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Create the Garlic Base: Add remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the mushrooms. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning. Sprinkle in Italian herbs and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Lower heat to medium-low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Complete the Dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until chicken is warmed through and sauce reaches desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. Ensure to taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: chicken, creamy mushroom, garlic chicken, spinach dish, comfort food