Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness
Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Remember, the beauty of cooking lies in making it your own — something I learned from watching my abuela’s intuitive approach to her beloved recipes.
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Allow the chicken to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and, if desired, stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F — a little trick I picked up during a cooking class in Italy, reminding me of the importance of precision in achieving perfect results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International