Let me tell you about my favorite weeknight dinner that never fails to impress: the creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet! This dish is a one-pan wonder that brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, all smothered in a rich, velvety cream sauce. What’s even better? It comes together in just 30 minutes! Seriously, you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this delicious meal. The flavors are incredible, and it’s the perfect way to make any evening feel special. Trust me, once you try this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and tenderness.
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; I love using cremini or button mushrooms for their rich flavor.
- 2 cups fresh spinach; it wilts beautifully and adds a vibrant color.
- 1 cup heavy cream; this is what gives the dish its luscious, creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil; for sautéing and adding a hint of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced; fresh garlic brings an aromatic depth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste; don’t be shy, season generously!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; this blend adds a lovely herbaceous note.
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, so you can enjoy the cooking process without any interruptions!
How to Prepare a Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making your creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet! This step-by-step guide will help you create a flavorful dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This is super important because a steady medium heat ensures that your chicken gets that beautiful golden-brown color without overcooking. You’ll want to hear a gentle sizzle when the oil is ready!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Look for that gorgeous golden color and make sure it’s no longer pink in the center. Trust me, that’s how you know it’s done!
Step 3: Add Mushrooms and Garlic
Once the chicken is ready, toss in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are soft and aromatic. That garlic smell will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Step 4: Incorporate Cream and Seasoning
Now it’s time to make it creamy! Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and the sauce starts to thicken a bit. Keep an eye on that texture—it should be silky and smooth, just begging to coat all those delicious ingredients!
Step 5: Add Spinach
Next, add the fresh spinach. Stir it in and cook for just 2-3 minutes until it wilts down perfectly. You’ll know it’s done when it turns a vibrant green and reduces in size. It’s like magic!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season your skillet with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and it’s ready to serve! I love pairing this dish with some fluffy rice or pasta to soak up all that creamy goodness. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy one-pan meal—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Loaded with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach.
- Rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
- Minimal cleanup since it’s all made in one skillet.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skip the seasoning—salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors, so taste as you go! If you want a bit of a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Also, using fresh ingredients makes a huge difference; opt for fresh spinach and high-quality chicken for the best results. And remember, keep the heat at medium to avoid overcooking the chicken while ensuring that those mushrooms soften perfectly. Trust me, these little tweaks can make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen spinach instead?
Absolutely! You can use frozen spinach for this creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet. This way, you won’t end up with excess water in your dish. It’s a great time-saver and still packed with flavor!
What can I serve with this dish?
This skillet dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! I recommend serving it over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce. You can also go for pasta or a light salad for a refreshing contrast. Honestly, the options are endless!
How can I make it lighter?
If you want to lighten up your creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also swap in low-sodium chicken broth for a lighter base. Adding more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, is another fantastic way to keep it nutritious while reducing the richness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet leftovers, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of chicken broth or a bit more cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened in the fridge. If you prefer the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Enjoy your tasty creation again, just like the first time!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Learn more about the benefits of spinach and its nutritional value!
For a great side dish, try making creamy mushroom risotto to complement your skillet!
Print
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet in 30 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal. It combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and savory mushrooms in a rich cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and garlic, and cook until mushrooms are soft.
- Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth for a lighter option.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter cream sauce.
- Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet