Some nights, the craving for something warm and comforting hits just as the day winds down but without demanding too much fuss. This creamy Italian chicken skillet answers that call with a gentle richness that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and demands a slow, satisfying bite.
I remember the first time I made this; I was juggling a phone call, the dog barking outside, and a kid who couldn’t decide what to wear for school the next day. Somehow, amidst the chaos, the garlic sizzling and the tomatoes softening in that creamy sauce grounded me. The chicken browned up beautifully, though I might have left it a touch longer than I meant, which gave it an extra crisp edge that we all secretly loved. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real—and that’s kind of the point.
- It’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy dinner.
- The creamy sauce is indulgent but balanced by fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for brightness.
- This dish isn’t complicated—the flavors are straightforward, but they come together in a way that feels special.
- It takes about 35 minutes total, so it’s doable after work without feeling rushed.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point—you won’t find dozens of steps or hard-to-find ingredients here.
If you’re worried about the richness, just remember you can always lighten it up with a splash of broth or swap cream for a lighter alternative, but honestly, sometimes comfort food deserves its indulgence.
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Creamy Italian Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy Italian herb sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Don’t stress about fancy equipment here; a sturdy skillet is all you need to pull this together. I usually toss in some crusty bread to soak up the sauce, but it pairs nicely with a simple green salad or even pasta if you want to stretch it out. If you feel like experimenting, try swapping spinach for kale or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Sometimes I throw in a handful of mushrooms or even olives to mix things up, though I haven’t tested every combo yet.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead? Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days and reheat nicely on the stove or in the microwave, though the spinach might wilt more the next day.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? You can substitute roasted red peppers or even fresh tomatoes, but the flavor will be a bit different—still tasty, though!
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead? Absolutely. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Next time you want a dinner that feels like a little celebration without the fuss, come back to this creamy Italian chicken skillet. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best meals come from simple, honest ingredients and a little patience.