Some chicken dinners are boring. This one? Creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and all made in one pan in under 30 minutes. Think golden, pan-seared chicken smothered in a rich, buttery parmesan sauce with just the right amount of garlic.
Bonus: This dish is low-carb, gluten-free, and incredibly easy to pair with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies—whatever you’ve got on hand!
Ingredients
✔ Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
✔ Salt & black pepper
✔ Italian seasoning
✔ Olive oil
✔ Butter
✔ Garlic (LOTS of it)
✔ Chicken broth
✔ Heavy cream
✔ Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best melt)
✔ Fresh spinach (optional but adds a nice balance)
✔ Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and melt butter in the same pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream & Parmesan
Add heavy cream and let it simmer for a minute before stirring in grated parmesan. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you like a little spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes!
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 5 more minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/75°C). Toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt down.
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or veggies!
Easy Side Dishes to Pair with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish is rich and creamy, so pair it with something simple:
Pasta & Grains
✔ Buttered Noodles – Classic and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
✔ Garlic Rice – Fluffy and flavorful.
✔ Quinoa – A lighter, healthier option.
Veggies
✔ Roasted Broccoli – A crisp contrast to the creamy sauce.
✔ Sautéed Zucchini – Quick, easy, and fresh.
✔ Garlic Green Beans – A fast, flavorful side.
Bread
✔ Crusty Garlic Bread – For extra sauce-dipping goodness.
✔ Warm Dinner Rolls – Soft and buttery.