Description
Whip up a satisfying One-Pan Creamy Chicken Dinner in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe brings comfort and flavor to your table, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4), sliced horizontally
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- Flavor Boosters:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Finishing Touches:
- 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional Extras:
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep & Sear the Chicken:: First things first, grab those chicken breasts and slice ’em if you like ’em thinner – I find it helps them cook evenly. Pat them super dry with paper towels; this is CRUCIAL for a good sear, trust me on this. Season generously with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a little of that Italian seasoning. Heat a large oven-safe skillet (my cast iron is usually my go-to for this) over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken. Let it sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan, you might need to do this in batches. This is where you get all those flavorful bits for the sauce! Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics & Veggies:: Reduce the heat to medium. If your pan looks a little dry, add another splash of olive oil. Toss in your diced yellow onion and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften and turn translucent. Oh, the smell of onion caramelizing is just the best! Now, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it’s fragrant – watch it like a hawk here, burnt garlic is a sad, bitter thing, and I’ve definitely done that before, oops! Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook for a few minutes until they start to soften and burst, releasing their sweet juices into the pan. This step builds so much flavor for our One-Pan Creamy Chicken Dinner.
- Build the Creamy Sauce:: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon – that’s called deglazing, and it’s where all the good flavor lives! Stir in the smoked paprika and the remaining Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly. This bubbling liquid smells absolutely incredible, a promise of the deliciousness to come. This base is essential for a rich One-Pan Creamy Chicken Dinner.
- Add Cream & Spinach:: Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Now, add the fresh spinach, handful by handful, stirring until it wilts down into the sauce. It always looks like a mountain of spinach, then poof, it’s gone! If you’re feeling a little adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes here adds a nice, subtle warmth. I sometimes forget and add too much, but hey, a little spice never hurt anyone, right? Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too spicy for your liking.
- Return Chicken & Finish:: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the creamy sauce. Make sure they’re partially submerged so they can soak up all that goodness. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce. Let it simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is where the magic really happens, and the sauce gets that perfect, clingy texture for our One-Pan Creamy Chicken Dinner.
- Garnish & Serve:: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is perfectly creamy, remove the skillet from the heat. Give it a final taste test and adjust any seasoning if needed – maybe a little more salt or pepper? Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green against the creamy sauce just looks so inviting! Serve immediately. The aroma of this dish fills my kitchen with such warmth, it’s honestly one of my favorite things. Enjoy your homemade One-Pan Creamy Chicken Dinner!