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Chicken With Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 8 oz baby spinach (fresh)

  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini mushrooms work well)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)

  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken: The lean protein in this dish is the perfect base for the creamy sauce and the accompanying vegetables.

  • Spinach: A great source of vitamins and minerals, spinach adds freshness and nutrition to the dish.

  • Mushrooms: Mushrooms bring a savory, earthy flavor to the recipe and pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

  • Parmesan Cheese: This hard cheese gives the sauce a sharp, nutty flavor and creamy texture that elevates the dish.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. This will add flavor to the chicken before it’s cooked.

  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.

Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

  2. Add the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

  3. Add the Spinach: Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down.

  4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Bring it All Together:

 

  1. Combine the Chicken with the Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the chicken to coat it. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld together.

  2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve the chicken with the creamy sauce over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

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