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Creamy Chicken in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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