One-Pan Creamy Chicken with Spinach

I'm one for fast meals, especially after I get home from work and need to make something quick for dinner. And what's great about this dish is that it can all be made in one pan; and in under 30 minutes! Fast and delicious, and fewer dishes to wash . . . definitely a win-win!

Start off by sauteing the chicken first in the saucepan, then remove it after it's browned on both sides and no longer pink inside. Don't wash the pan, but add the butter to it and scrape off the bits on the bottom of the pan; don't discard of them, that's where the flavor is. Make the sauce in the same pan by following the recipe below, add the cooked chicken and spinach to it. and that's it!

Serve over pasta or with some roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a side salad, and dinner's done!

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ONE-PAN CREAMY CHICKEN WITH SPINACH

Ingredients:

• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 chicken breasts, cut in half

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 onion, diced

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons sundried tomatoes

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)

• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)

• 3 ounces cream cheese

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 5 ounces fresh spinach leaves

• Fresh chopped basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add oil, cook until hot. Add chicken to hot pan, saute for 4-5 minutes per side, or until chicken is browned on both sides and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from pan and place on a plate. Set aside.

2. Add the butter, onions and crushed red pepper to the saucepan, scraping off the bits on the bottom of the pan, and cook for 4-6 minutes until onion is soft. Add the garlic and sundried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute more.

3. Stir in the heavy cream, broth (or water), and cream cheese, whisking until creamy. Bring sauce to a slight boil; reduce heat to medium low, add Parmesan cheese and continue to reduce sauce to desired consistency.

4. Return chicken back to the pan, add the spinach and cook until warmed and spinach has wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if desired.