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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 cup fresh baby spinach - Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish The main ingredients in this dish make it rich and tasty. The chicken breasts provide lean protein that cooks well in a skillet. The heavy cream gives the sauce its smooth texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that makes the dish shine. For seasonings, I use extra virgin olive oil to cook the chicken. Minced garlic adds a savory punch. Dried basil and Italian seasoning blend bring warmth and depth to the sauce. Sea salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors, making each bite satisfying. The garnishments include fresh baby spinach. It adds a pop of color and nutrients. Chopped parsley on top makes the dish look fresh and inviting. This combination of ingredients is simple yet makes a stunning meal. You will love how each element works together to create a creamy and delicious experience. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. 2. While the oil heats, season both sides of 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. 3. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. 4. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F. 5. When cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest. 1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. 2. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir constantly, so the garlic does not burn. 3. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to mix it with the garlic. 4. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. 5. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts, creating a creamy sauce. 6. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend. Stir well to combine the flavors. 1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. 2. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the creamy sauce for about 5 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the flavors. 3. Add 1 cup of fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Cook just until wilted, stirring gently to mix it into the sauce. 4. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Once the spinach is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. To make sure your chicken cooks just right, check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F. A meat thermometer works best for this. It ensures your chicken is safe to eat and not dry. For a golden crust, season your chicken well. Use sea salt and black pepper freely. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers before adding the chicken. This helps create that nice brown color. To make this dish even better, try adding different seasonings. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist. Balancing creaminess is key. If the sauce feels too rich, squeeze some fresh lemon juice into it. This adds brightness and cuts through the heaviness. For serving, choose wide, shallow bowls. It allows the sauce to spread out nicely. Drizzle any extra sauce over the chicken for a beautiful look. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. It also adds a fresh taste. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or pasta, making it a complete meal. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender. Garlic Flavor Boost: For a deeper garlic flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the skillet. Roasted garlic adds a sweet and nutty taste that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! A mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano can elevate the flavor profile of the sauce. Spinach Tips: To prevent the spinach from becoming too soggy, add it towards the end of cooking. This ensures it stays vibrant and retains its nutritional benefits. {{image_4}} To make this dish lighter, you can choose low-fat cream options. Try using half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. These swaps reduce calories while keeping the dish creamy. For cheese alternatives, consider using low-fat Parmesan or a dairy-free cheese. These options offer flavor without the extra fat. Just remember, the taste will change a bit. Want to add more veggies? Bell peppers and mushrooms are great choices. They cook well and add color. Chop them into small pieces for even cooking. Cooking times vary. Bell peppers take about 5-7 minutes to soften. Mushrooms need around 4-6 minutes. Add them after cooking the chicken and before the sauce for the best results. You can change the flavor profile by using different herbs or spices. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a twist. These herbs bring out new tastes in the dish. You can also combine different cheese types. Mixing in mozzarella or goat cheese can give a unique taste. Just adjust the amount to keep the sauce creamy. To store your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This helps keep it fresh. In the fridge, it will last about 3 to 4 days. Label the container with the date. This way, you remember when you made it. When you want to enjoy leftovers, the best method is using the stove. Heat a pan over low to medium heat. Add a splash of cream or broth for moisture. This helps keep the sauce smooth. Stir often to make sure it heats evenly. Avoid using high heat, as it may cause the sauce to separate. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To do this, let it cool completely. Then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, use a stove or microwave. Add a little cream if needed to restore the sauce's creaminess. You can serve this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans work well. - Rice: Try white rice or brown rice for a hearty touch. - Pasta: Serve it over fettuccine or penne to soak up the sauce. - Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. - Salad: A fresh garden salad adds a crisp contrast. These sides balance the flavors and make your meal complete. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Each cut has its pros and cons: - Chicken thighs are juicier and richer in flavor. - They take a bit longer to cook than chicken breasts. - Breasts are leaner and cook faster. Choose what you enjoy most. Both will work well in this dish. Making this dish gluten-free is easy. Here are some tips: - Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free if you use it. - Use gluten-free pasta if you decide to serve it with pasta. - Check your cream and Parmesan for gluten-free labels. These swaps help you enjoy the dish without gluten. This blog post covered every detail to make a delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet. You learned about key ingredients, like chicken, heavy cream, and seasonings. The step-by-step instructions guide you through cooking and making the creamy sauce. You also found tips for perfect chicken, suggested variations, and important storage info. With these tips, you can make this dish shine. Explore variations to suit your taste, and enjoy this satisfying meal any day!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • for garnish fresh chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large, non-stick skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. While the oil heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and beautifully golden brown on the outside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it onto a plate to rest.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the finely minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, making sure not to let it burn.
  • Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine with the garlic. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce takes on a rich, creamy consistency.
  • Add in the dried basil and Italian seasoning, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors into the creamy sauce.
  • Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet, reducing the heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the creamy sauce for about 5 minutes, so it can soak up the delicious flavors.
  • Add the fresh baby spinach into the skillet, cooking just until wilted and tender, stirring gently to ensure it’s well combined into the sauce.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference. Remove the skillet from the heat once the spinach is cooked.

Notes

Serve with crusty artisan bread or over pasta for a hearty meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, Parmesan, skillet