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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese The heart of this dish is the chicken. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook fast. They soak up flavors well. Next, we have garlic and butter. This combo adds a rich taste. The butter gives a nice, smooth texture. The garlic brings a punch of flavor that everyone loves. Cream and Parmesan cheese create a creamy, cheesy sauce. This sauce makes the chicken so tender and tasty. - 2 cups baby spinach - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Baby spinach offers a fresh taste and nice color. It wilts down in the oven, becoming soft. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst. Their halved shape helps them cook evenly. Together, these veggies brighten the dish and add nutrients. - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Seasoning is key to flavor. Italian herbs bring a mix of tastes that please the palate. Salt and black pepper enhance every bite. Olive oil helps cook the chicken while adding moisture. Finally, fresh parsley adds color and a fresh touch on top. This garnish makes the dish look inviting and delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This hot oven will help cook the chicken perfectly. Next, take a large oven-safe skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While it heats, season your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs on both sides. This adds great flavor. Now, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to look golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Then, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. This step brings out the garlic’s flavor. Next, pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to mix it with the garlic butter. Make sure to scrape up any brown bits from the skillet. This adds even more taste to your sauce. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. This creamy sauce will coat the chicken beautifully. Now, return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Make sure they are well-coated in that tasty creamy sauce. Next, add the baby spinach and halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Gently stir to mix without disturbing the chicken. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it cooks through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your one pan garlic Parmesan chicken feast! To cook chicken perfectly, use the searing method. Searing locks in juices and adds flavor. Heat olive oil in your skillet and season the chicken well. Sear each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden. This step gives a nice crust. To keep chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest after baking, so the juices redistribute. This helps keep your chicken moist and flavorful. You can adjust the creaminess of the sauce to fit your taste. For a thicker sauce, add more Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a lighter sauce, use less cream. To enhance flavors, try adding spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme elevate the flavor profile, too. Taste as you go to find your perfect blend. To complement this dish, serve with sides like garlic bread or a fresh salad. Roasted veggies also pair well with the creamy chicken. For presentation, plate the chicken with the sauce drizzled on top. Arrange spinach and tomatoes around the chicken for color. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch. A beautiful presentation makes your meal feel like a feast. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for optimal juiciness. Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or Asiago, for a unique twist on the classic Parmesan flavor. One-Pan Cleanup: Line your skillet with parchment paper before cooking for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking. {{image_2}} You can switch out the chicken for other meats. Try turkey or pork instead. You can also use tofu for a plant-based option. For a creamy sauce without dairy, use coconut cream or cashew cream. These keep the dish rich and tasty. Want to change up the taste? Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme. You could also spice it up with red pepper flakes for heat. Don’t forget to toss in veggies! Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms blend well and add color. This dish isn’t just for a plate. Try serving it over pasta or rice for a filling meal. You could even transform it into a casserole. Just layer the dish in a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly. This way, you can enjoy it in a new form! Store your One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Feast in airtight containers. Glass or plastic food containers work well. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will still be good, but fresh is best. If you want to save leftovers, freezing is a great option. Let the dish cool completely before you freeze it. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Press out any excess air before sealing. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To keep moisture and flavor, reheating is key. You have two main options: the microwave or the oven. In the microwave, heat on medium power. This way, it warms evenly without drying out. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until it’s heated through. This method helps maintain the creamy texture and taste. Choosing the right reheating method makes all the difference! Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this dish. Bone-in chicken adds more flavor but needs longer cooking time. Cook it for about 30-35 minutes in the oven. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This will ensure the chicken is safe to eat while still juicy. If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half or whole milk mixed with some flour. For a dairy-free choice, coconut cream or almond milk with a bit of cornstarch works well. These alternatives change the flavor slightly but still create a rich sauce. To add heat, try using red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also add sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Mix these into the garlic butter when you sauté it. This will make each bite burst with flavor! This blog post covers a delicious chicken dish packed with flavor. We discussed main ingredients like chicken, garlic, cream, and fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, plus tips to perfect your dish. You can even explore variations to suit your taste. In the end, this recipe is easy to customize and great for any meal. With these simple steps, you can create a delightful dish. Enjoy experimenting and make it your own.

One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Feast

A delicious one-pan meal featuring chicken breasts in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with spinach and cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs on both sides.
  • Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce.
  • Add the baby spinach and cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Gently stir to combine without disturbing the chicken.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
  • Once done, remove from the oven, and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keyword chicken, easy meal, garlic, one pan, parmesan