Chicken With Spinach And Mushrooms In Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and rich dish, perfect for a satisfying dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce and fresh vegetables, creating a balanced and flavorful meal. Let’s look at the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful dish.
INGREDIENTS
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless, seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Onion: 1 small, chopped, for a savory base.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, to enhance the flavor.
- Mushrooms: 2 cups, sliced, adding an earthy element.
- Fresh spinach: 2 cups, for a vibrant and nutritious addition.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup, for a rich and velvety sauce.
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup, to thin the sauce and add depth.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, to create a cheesy, creamy texture.
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for a classic herb flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional), for a hint of heat.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to brown.
- Step 5:
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts completely.
- Step 6:
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until the mixture begins to simmer gently.
- Step 7:
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 8:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm everything through.
- Step 9:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Chicken With Spinach And Mushrooms In Creamy Parmesan Sauce immediately, paired with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly less thick.
Helpful Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the chicken broth used is certified gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water) to the sauce while it simmers.
- You can substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Ina Garten recommends using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Chef Jamie Oliver suggests searing the chicken well to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust.
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis advises adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, fresh flavor.