Description
This one-pan meal is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, combining tender, golden-seared chicken breasts with a velvety garlic-infused sauce. Using light cream cheese and freshly grated parmesan, the dish delivers a rich, indulgent mouthfeel without the heaviness of traditional cream sauces. Fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant pop of color and earthy flavor, wilting perfectly into the sauce for a nutritious and refined dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. It is a low-carb, high-protein favorite for any home cook.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 oz light cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
4 cups fresh baby spinach
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken to the skillet and sear until golden brown and cooked through; remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Lower the heat and whisk in the chicken broth and light cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
Serve warm, optionally over your favorite grain or vegetables.
Notes
Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest sauce consistency.
Freshly grated parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese due to the lack of anti-caking agents.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add an extra splash of chicken broth to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Modern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 115mg