Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and indulgent dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious cream sauce, earthy spinach, and sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

This dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors—the creamy sauce envelops the chicken while the spinach adds freshness and the sun-dried tomatoes bring a punch of umami.

It’s elegant enough to serve at dinner parties but simple enough for a weeknight meal. Paired with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, it creates a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both comforting and sophisticated. The creamy sauce is rich without being overpowering, and the combination of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes adds layers of flavor and texture.

The chicken remains juicy and tender, while the sauce coats every bite with a silky, flavorful richness. It’s a dish that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. The cream sauce is decadent and flavorful, while the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes bring color, nutrition, and a distinctive taste that elevates the dish.

It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be paired with a variety of sides. Whether you’re a fan of creamy sauces or just love a hearty chicken meal, this recipe delivers on both flavor and visual appeal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450–500 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

For the Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Cooking Directions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
8. Serve immediately with your choice of side.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Season chicken: Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Cook chicken: Heat oil or butter in skillet; sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: Melt butter, sauté garlic 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Cook sun-dried tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes, sauté 2–3 minutes.
5. Make cream sauce: Stir in chicken broth and cream, simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Add spinach and cheese: Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach until spinach wilts.
7. Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, simmer 2–3 minutes.
8. Serve: Plate chicken with sauce spooned over top.

How to Serve

Serve Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple side salad. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for added flavor and presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor; drain before adding if needed.
• Don’t overcook chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
• Wilt spinach last to maintain its bright green color and freshness.
• Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling the cream.
• Add a splash of white wine before cream for extra depth of flavor.

Variations

• Mushroom Addition: Add sliced mushrooms with garlic for a mushroom-infused sauce.
• Bacon Twist: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Low-Fat Version: Use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Herb Variation: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for a fragrant twist.
• Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes for a slightly spicy kick.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to cream, which may separate when thawed.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce consistency.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and cook chicken fresh for best results.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, but thaw and drain it before adding to the sauce to prevent excess liquid.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Q: Can I serve this with pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work perfectly to soak up the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. The tender chicken paired with the creamy, cheesy sauce, earthy spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes makes it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, creamy chicken recipes. Its ease, versatility, and deliciousness make it a standout addition to any recipe collection.