Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients before you start cooking can make the process feel more like a creative adventure than a chore. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
If you’re out of heavy cream, half-and-half can be a substitute, though the sauce may be slightly less rich. And for a dairy-free version, coconut cream could be an interesting twist — it’s something I experimented with during a cooking class in Bali, and it adds a subtle sweetness that works surprisingly well.
Instructions
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately.
Cooking this dish, I often remember my abuela’s words: “Sigue tus sentidos,” or “Follow your senses.” If the sauce needs a little more seasoning or if the spinach looks like it could use an extra minute to soften, trust your instincts!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International