Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Sauce
Tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory mushroom and spinach cream sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes blends olive oil, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms
- 3 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Sauté for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until browned and their moisture evaporates. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 cups fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, about 4 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme until melted and well combined. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 minutes to heat through before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Sauce low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.