Creamy Parmesan Chicken recipe

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this Creamy Parmesan Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce, complemented by the subtle sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of spinach. This dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules without compromising on taste.

• One-Pan Preparation: Simplify your cooking process and cleanup with this convenient one-skillet meal.

• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily modify the recipe to suit various dietary preferences or to incorporate your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 chicken breasts

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 teaspoons oregano, divided

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup fresh spinach

• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of oregano.

2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

4. Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the remaining teaspoon of oregano, cooking for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

5. Create the Sauce: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes before adding the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

6. Add Spinach and Chicken: Introduce the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until wilted. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let the dish simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.

• Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.

• Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes.

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a different protein option.

• Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or bell peppers.

• Herb Enhancements: Incorporate fresh basil or thyme for an aromatic twist.

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm the dish on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will provide a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a slurry made of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water, stirring until the sauce thickens.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

This creamy chicken pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth can add depth to the flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Ensure that the heavy cream is at room temperature before adding

Creamy Parmesan Chicken recipe

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Stovetop
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken is a one-pan wonder, featuring juicy chicken breasts in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner or special occasion meal. Serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a deliciously satisfying dish!

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Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons oregano, divided
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:

• Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of oregano.

2️⃣ Sear the Chicken:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Sauté Aromatics:

• Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
• Sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

4️⃣ Build the Sauce:

• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and the remaining oregano, cooking for 2 minutes.
• Pour in chicken broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze.
• Simmer for 3 minutes, then add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until smooth.

5️⃣ Combine & Finish:

• Add spinach, stirring until wilted.
• Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it.
• Simmer for 5 minutes until fully cooked.

6️⃣ Garnish & Serve:

• Sprinkle with parsley and enjoy with pasta, rice, or veggies!

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Notes

• Chicken Thickness Matters: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally for even cooking.
• Prevent Sauce from Curdling: Use room-temperature heavy cream and avoid boiling after adding it.
• Enhance the Flavor: A splash of white wine can elevate the taste—add it when deglazing the pan.
• Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Best Cheese Choice: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.