Name: Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this skillet brings everything I crave into one pan: juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and a luxurious creamy sauce. It’s quick to make, easy to clean up, and versatile enough to serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. The garlic-Parmesan combo gives it restaurant-style richness without being heavy, and the whole thing feels cozy and elevated at the same time.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, for garnish

directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for about 5–6 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. I remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I melt the butter and add the sliced mushrooms, sautéing them for 4–5 minutes until they’re golden and tender.
I stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant.
I add the fresh spinach and cook it down for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Next, I pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. I let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
I return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the creamy sauce, simmering for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
I finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve warm—either on its own or over a bed of pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 430 kcal

Variations

Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness. I’ve also added sun-dried tomatoes or cooked bacon for a deeper flavor. When I want it extra cheesy, I mix in a bit of shredded mozzarella. For a low-carb version, I serve it over cauliflower rice or just enjoy it as is with a spoon.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. It also microwaves well in short intervals, stirring between each to keep the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, I’ve used frozen spinach in a pinch. I just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid watering down the sauce.

What’s the best kind of mushroom for this recipe?

I usually go with cremini for their deeper flavor, but white button mushrooms work just fine too.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I’ve had success using coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, though the flavor will be a bit different—still delicious and creamy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (like the Parmesan and seasonings) are certified gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely. I often make a double batch and portion it out with rice or pasta for easy lunches during the week.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet is one of those reliable, comforting recipes I turn to again and again. It’s rich without being heavy, full of flavor, and comes together in no time. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just making something quick and cozy for myself, this one-pan meal never disappoints.

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet