Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach and Tomatoes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach and Tomatoes

If you're looking for an easy chicken dinner that feels special enough for company but simple enough for a busy weeknight, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach and Tomatoes belongs on your dinner table.

Tender, golden chicken breasts are simmered in a rich and savory Parmesan cream sauce with juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Garlic Olive Oil from The Little Shop of Olive Oils. Everything comes together in one skillet for a comforting meal filled with incredible flavor.

This creamy garlic chicken recipe is wonderful served over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, polenta, or alongside warm crusty bread for soaking up every last spoonful of that Parmesan sauce.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

There is a lot to love about this simple skillet dinner. The chicken develops a beautiful golden crust before being finished in the creamy sauce, while the tomatoes add freshness and the spinach adds color and texture.

  • Easy enough for a weeknight: The entire recipe comes together in approximately 35 minutes.
  • Made in one skillet: Less cleanup makes dinner even better.
  • Full of flavor: Garlic Olive Oil adds wonderful garlic flavor throughout the dish.
  • Family-friendly: Creamy Parmesan sauce and tender chicken make this an easy crowd-pleaser.
  • Perfect for entertaining: It looks beautiful served straight from the skillet.

The Secret Ingredient: Garlic Olive Oil

Using Garlic Olive Oil is an easy way to build layers of flavor right from the beginning. Rather than relying only on butter or a neutral cooking oil, Garlic Olive Oil adds savory garlic flavor as the chicken browns.

It also works beautifully with Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, spinach, herbs, and cream, making it an excellent pantry staple for chicken recipes, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, marinades, and bread dipping.

What to Serve with Creamy Parmesan Chicken

The sauce is one of the best parts of this recipe, so pair your chicken with something that can soak it up.

  • Angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine
  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Rice or risotto
  • Creamy polenta
  • Roasted potatoes
  • Crusty Italian bread
  • A simple green salad
  • Roasted asparagus or broccoli

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are delicious in this recipe and stay especially tender in the creamy sauce. Cooking times may vary depending on their size, so always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.
  • Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil after adding the cream.
  • If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally or gently pound them to an even thickness.
  • Don't skip the browned bits in the pan—they add wonderful flavor to the sauce.
  • Add the spinach near the end so it stays bright and fresh.

How to Store Leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating.

An Easy Chicken Dinner Worth Making Again

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach and Tomatoes is the kind of recipe that proves dinner doesn't have to be complicated to taste incredible. Juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, tender spinach, Parmesan, cream, and Garlic Olive Oil come together in one skillet for a meal that feels both comforting and special.

Stop by The Little Shop of Olive Oils to pick up Garlic Olive Oil and discover even more delicious ways to bring exceptional olive oils and balsamic vinegars into your everyday cooking.

Once you make this creamy garlic chicken, don't forget the crusty bread—you'll want every drop of that sauce!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach and Tomatoes

Servings

4

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Calories

495

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Category

Main Course

Golden, tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich Garlic Olive Oil and Parmesan cream sauce with juicy tomatoes and fresh spinach. This easy one-pan dinner comes together in about 35 minutes and is perfect served over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach and Tomatoes

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, approximately 5–6 ounces each
  • 2 tablespoons Garlic Olive Oil

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving

  • 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes

  • 2 packed cups fresh baby spinach

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley, optional

  • Crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Directions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are especially thick, gently pound them to an even thickness.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

  3. Heat the Garlic Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  4. Add the chicken breasts and cook for approximately 5–6 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown.

  5. Turn the chicken and cook for another 4–5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate. It will finish cooking in the sauce.

  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

  7. Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen all of the flavorful browned bits.

  8. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

  9. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

  10. Add the cherry tomatoes and simmer for approximately 3 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

  11. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted.

  12. Return the chicken breasts and any accumulated juices to the skillet.

  13. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer gently for approximately 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

  14. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

  15. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

  16. Serve immediately with plenty of creamy garlic Parmesan sauce spooned over the chicken.

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