Creamy Chicken in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Chicken in Parmesan Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, cheesy sauce. Enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, it’s a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp oregano, divided
• 3 tbsp 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 spinach
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. When the skillet is hot, add 2 tablespoons of butter and some oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Place the chicken breasts in the pan.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken breasts for 4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining butter to the pan. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine.
5. Step 5: Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Stir in the spinach and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
7. Step 7: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spoon the sauce over them, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts or try shrimp, salmon, or tofu for an alternative protein.
• If you don’t have oregano, substitute with thyme or basil to maintain an earthy taste.
• Use ghee for a creamier sauce or olive oil for a lighter version instead of butter.
• To make it dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut or almond milk, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different green texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream while reheating can help maintain the sauce’s smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great substitutes that add a similar salty, nutty flavor. For a vegetarian option, nutritional yeast works well as a cheese alternative.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use coconut or almond milk instead of heavy cream, and substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese. You can also use olive oil or ghee instead of butter depending on your dietary preference.

Creamy Chicken in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 483 reviews

A rich and creamy chicken dish simmered in a flavorful Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and aromatic herbs. This easy skillet recipe combines tender seared chicken breasts with a luscious creamy sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner any night of the week.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp oregano, divided
• 3 tbsp butter, divided

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 cup spinach

Liquids and Dairy

• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish

• Chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Season and Prepare Chicken: Start by heating a large skillet over high heat. While it warms, season chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of oregano to infuse flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken: Once the skillet is hot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with some of the oil leftover from sun-dried tomatoes. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Then, remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Cook Aromatics and Tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, remaining teaspoon of oregano, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes together for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
6. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
7. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let it cook for 3-5 more minutes so the flavors meld together.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once fully cooked and heated through, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top as garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy Parmesan chicken dish.

Notes

• Chicken thighs can be substituted for a richer flavor but may alter nutrition information.
• For a plant-based option, substitute tofu for chicken and use vegetable broth.
• Ghee or olive oil can replace butter depending on dietary preferences.
• If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder or flakes can be used as alternatives.
• Fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers can replace sun-dried tomatoes for a different texture and flavor.
• Dairy-free options include coconut or almond milk instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Spinach can be swapped with kale or Swiss chard for variation.

Keywords: creamy chicken, Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, easy dinner, stovetop chicken recipe