01 -
Pat the chicken dry—this is where I always forget and it sticks to the pan. Oops. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for color. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden. Don’t crowd the pan! I do it in batches, even if it takes longer. Set aside. The crust? Chef’s kiss. The smell? Like heaven opened its kitchen.
02 -
Lower the heat to medium. Toss in minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds—watch it like a hawk. Burnt garlic = sad sauce. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir. Their oil makes everything richer. I usually pour in a splash from the jar. Waste not, right? You’ll smell sweetness and garlic dancing. It’s a vibe.
03 -
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those golden bits—flavor gold! Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan until it melts into gooey perfection. I use a wooden spoon and stir like I’m in a rom-com montage. This is where the magic starts. Don’t boil hard—cream hates that.
04 -
Stir in the spinach a handful at a time. It wilts fast—like, seriously, blink and it’s gone. Let it simmer 2-3 minutes so the flavors marry. I always taste here and add more salt. My rule: if it doesn’t make you close your eyes and go ‘mmm,’ it needs more seasoning.
05 -
Slide the chicken back in, spoon that creamy sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes so the chicken finishes cooking through. I peek too much. Every time. But hey, I want that perfect temp.
06 -
Remove the lid, let the sauce thicken slightly. Taste again—maybe a squeeze of lemon? I love that bright pop. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. The color? Gorgeous. The smell? Unreal. Plate it, pour a glass of wine, and breathe it in. You did good.