Description
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with garlic, creamy light cream, Italian seasoning, and fresh parmesan cheese. Adding chopped spinach enhances both the nutrition and the vibrant color of the dish, making it a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 small-medium chicken breasts (or 2 large halved)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup light cream (or heavy cream)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season and cook chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, adjusting time based on thickness.
- Prepare the sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and reduce the heat to low-medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the light cream, then add the Italian seasoning and grated parmesan cheese. Stir the sauce to combine everything smoothly.
- Add spinach and simmer: Stir in the chopped spinach if desired, allowing it to wilt. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan with the sauce. Simmer together for another minute to heat through and coat the chicken with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Turn off the heat. Spoon the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken and serve immediately. Pair with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use heavy cream instead of light cream for a richer sauce.
- Chicken cooking time varies with thickness; use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
- Spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutritional boost.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese have no additives containing gluten.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Creamy chicken, parmesan garlic chicken, easy dinner recipe, creamy sauce, Italian seasoning chicken, spinach chicken, skillet chicken
