Quick Creamy One-Dish Chicken Dinner
A quick and creamy one-dish chicken dinner featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich sauce with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, all cooked in a single skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced yellow onion or shallots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves (about 3 ounces)
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts or tenderloins generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter, finely diced onion (or shallots), minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the same skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and softened cream cheese. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach leaves. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted into the sauce and the sauce has thickened slightly to your desired consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Allow it to warm through for a minute or two.
- Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- This recipe is designed for a quick weeknight meal.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- The dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe