Are you craving a meal that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare? Look no further than this mouthwatering Creamy Rice Chicken and Spinach Dinner that promises to transform your ordinary weeknight meal into a restaurant-quality experience! Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and fresh spinach all wrapped in a luxurious, creamy parmesan sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 lb of diced chicken breast, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1/2 cup of cream, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the broth is boiling, add the 1 cup of rice to the saucepan. Stir briefly to combine, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
- While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if desired, then add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the 2 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir the spinach into the chicken, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the 1/2 cup of cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine, allowing the cream to heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Next, incorporate the 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese into the mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Once the rice is done cooking, fluff it with a fork and then add it to the skillet with the chicken and spinach mixture. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the rice is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the creamy rice chicken and spinach dinner warm, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Rice Perfection: Use a 2:1 liquid to rice ratio and let it simmer covered for the most fluffy and tender rice.
- Fresh Spinach Matters: Add spinach at the last moment to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add parmesan off the direct heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Seasoning Hack: Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding garlic, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor depth.Pro tip: For an even creamier texture, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with heavy cream or use a blend of chicken broth and white wine!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
