I love a pan dinner that feels rich and fast. Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet is one of those meals. I make it on nights when I want comfort with little fuss.
Dad James first asked me to make this after a long day at work. He smiled and said it tasted like home.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Tools That Help
I keep this list short and simple. You need a large skillet that holds the chicken and sauce well. A wooden spoon or spatula helps you stir without scraping the pan. A simple cutting board and a sharp knife make prep quick. A measuring cup and spoon let you keep the sauce balanced. If you have a lid for the pan, it can help the spinach wilt evenly.
The Step-by-Step Process
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about six to eight minutes.
- Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms are soft.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until it wilts.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the sauce until it thickens, about three to five minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve the skillet over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Lighter, Healthier Touches
I like to make small swaps when I want fewer calories. Use half heavy cream and half chicken stock to keep a creamy feel with less fat. You can swap Greek yogurt for some of the cream at the end, but add it off the heat so it does not curdle. Try reduced fat Parmesan if you want less dairy fat. I also sometimes use turkey breast instead of chicken for a leaner option. If you want more bright flavor, add a splash of lemon juice at the end. For a different cozy bowl, see my take on a warm soup like creamy chicken enchilada soup for a similar rich taste with a twist.
Perfect Pairings
This skillet loves plain starch and light veg. I serve it over steamed white rice for easy weeknight fuel. Mashed potatoes make it feel homey and warm. Toss it with your favorite short pasta for a quick family meal. A simple side salad with lemon dressing cuts the cream and keeps the plate bright. For a soft, rich bread side that my family also likes, try the warm rolls found in the chicken pillows with creamy parmesan sauce recipe for a similar cozy touch.
Common Stumbles to Avoid
Do not crowd the pan when you add the chicken. If the pieces sit too close, they steam and do not brown. Browned chicken gives you flavor in the sauce. Do not add cold cream straight from the fridge into a very hot pan. Let the pan cool a bit or warm the cream lightly before you pour it in. If you add spinach too early it will overcook and turn mushy. Add it near the end so it stays bright and fresh. If the sauce seems thin, simmer a bit longer and stir, or lift the pan off the heat and let it rest a minute. If the sauce breaks, you can whisk in a small knob of cold butter to help it come back together.
Storing Your Creation
Cool the skillet to room temperature before you store it. Place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for three to four days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or stock when you reheat to bring the sauce back to life. You can freeze the dish in a freezer safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before you reheat. Note that cream sauces can change texture after freezing, so stir well and warm slowly.
A Final Warm Word
I make this dish when I want a quick, honest meal. It comes together fast and fills the house with good smells. Share it with people you love and use the leftovers for a warm lunch the next day.
Answering Your Questions
How long does Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet take to cook?
I usually have this done in about thirty minutes from start to finish. Prep takes ten to fifteen minutes. The active cook time is about fifteen to twenty minutes.
Can I make Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet ahead?
Yes. Cook it up to three days before you plan to eat it. Store it in the fridge and reheat on low. Add a splash of stock or milk while you warm it to refresh the sauce.
What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet for a crowd?
Serve it over a big tray of mashed potatoes or a long pan of baked pasta. Add a green salad and warm bread. If you want another warm side for guests, try a soft, rich roll or a simple garlic loaf to soak up the sauce.
If you want to try a different pan meal with a bold twist, I also enjoy the bright flavor in the creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet for a change.
Print
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A rich and comforting one-pan dinner featuring chicken, mushrooms, and spinach in a creamy sauce, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms are soft.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until it wilts.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the sauce until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve the skillet over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half heavy cream and half chicken stock. Consider Greek yogurt instead of some cream at the end, but add it off heat to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken, creamy, skillet meal, quick dinner, weeknight meals