Description
Delightful Spinach Chicken delivers Mediterranean-inspired comfort with lean protein and nutrient-packed greens. Rich herb-infused flavors and simple preparation make this wholesome dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each)
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by patting it dry and coating with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring even coverage on both surfaces.
- Create a golden sear in a hot skillet with olive oil, cooking each side for 5-7 minutes until achieving a rich caramel color and reaching a safe internal temperature of 165°F/75°C.
- Infuse the same skillet with fragrant garlic, releasing its intense aroma for approximately 30 seconds before introducing delicate leafy greens, wilting them quickly.
- Transform the pan’s foundation by streaming rich cream, allowing it to bubble gently while incorporating aged cheese until a velvety, smooth consistency emerges.
- Reunite the perfectly cooked protein with the luxurious emerald-hued sauce, nestling it within the creamy embrace and warming through for a brief moment.
- Present the dish adorned with fresh herb sprinklings, accompanied by your preferred starch foundation, ready to delight discerning palates.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in flavor and creates a crispy exterior.
- Use fresh baby spinach for a tender texture and vibrant green color, which adds both nutrition and visual appeal to the dish.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy consistency.
- Consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of nutmeg to the sauce for an unexpected depth of flavor that complements the spinach and chicken beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg