Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Easy Weeknight Meal

Name: Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried; 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (14 oz); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; to taste salt and pepper; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; for garnish fresh basil (optional)

October 11, 2025March 3, 2025 by Emma Smith

If you’re craving a quick and tasty dinner, you’re in the right place! This Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken is an easy weeknight meal that packs flavor and nutrition. With simple ingredients and fast cooking steps, you’ll impress your family without stress. Let’s dive into the creamy goodness and learn how to make this dish a new favorite in your home!

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: This creamy tomato spinach chicken is bursting with rich flavors that blend perfectly, making every bite irresistible.
Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without the fuss.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh spinach and lean chicken, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great choice for a wholesome meal.
Versatile Dish: This recipe can easily be customized; feel free to add your favorite veggies or substitute the cream for a lighter option.

Ingredients

Required Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried

– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Ingredients

– Fresh basil for garnish

Equipment Needed

– Large skillet

– Cutting board

– Knife

– Measuring cups and spoons

– Wooden spoon or spatula

– Lid for the skillet

This dish needs simple items you can find easily. The fresh spinach adds a nice touch. You can skip the basil, but it looks pretty on top! Make sure you have all tools ready. A large skillet helps cook everything nicely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

First, gather your chicken breasts. Make sure they are boneless and skinless. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds great flavor!

Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about three to four minutes until it looks translucent. This step builds a nice base for your dish.

Now, add three minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for one more minute. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn.

Once the onions and garlic are ready, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear each side for about four to five minutes until golden brown. This gives the chicken a nice color and flavor.

Making the Creamy Sauce

After searing, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Then, add one cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir everything together. This will create a creamy sauce that coats the chicken well.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This means you want small bubbles, not a rolling boil. Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it’s safe to eat.

Final Cooking Steps

Once the chicken is cooked, add two cups of fresh spinach. Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt quickly, and the cheese will melt into the sauce. This adds creaminess and flavor.

Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Now, serve the chicken right away. Spoon the creamy sauce over it. If you like, garnish with fresh basil for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfect Your Dish

To make your creamy tomato spinach chicken shine, focus on the seasoning. Use fresh herbs if you can. They bring a burst of flavor. Make sure to taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish over pasta or rice for a complete meal. The creamy sauce works great with both. You can also pair it with a side salad or crusty bread. This adds crunch and freshness. For a pop of color, use fresh basil on top. It adds a nice touch and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid cooking the chicken at too high a heat. This can dry it out. Make sure to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F to be safe. Don’t skip the spinach—it’s key for texture and nutrition. Lastly, don’t rush the simmering stage. Let the flavors blend for a rich sauce.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality tomatoes can greatly enhance the flavor of the dish. Look for vibrant greens and ripe tomatoes for the best results.
Check Chicken Temperature: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning to your taste or add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Experimenting can lead to a more personalized dish.
Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier bite.

Variations

Healthy Modifications

You can make this dish healthier with a few easy swaps. Use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream. This change cuts calories while keeping the creaminess. You can also add more spinach. Spinach offers fiber and vitamins. Replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier option. If you want, cut down on the cheese or use a lower-fat version.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost the flavor, try adding more herbs. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. You can also mix in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. A splash of lemon juice adds freshness and balances the creaminess. For a smoky taste, try adding a bit of smoked paprika. These simple tweaks can make the dish even more exciting!

Alternative Proteins

If chicken isn’t your thing, you have options! Shrimp works great in this recipe. Just cook it until it turns pink and tender. You could also use firm tofu for a plant-based version. Cut the tofu into cubes and sauté until golden. For a heartier dish, consider using turkey breast. It cooks similarly and gives you a tasty meal!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

After enjoying your creamy tomato spinach chicken, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to eat again, take the leftovers out of the fridge. You can reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to avoid sticking. You can also microwave the dish in a safe bowl. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce creamy.

Freezing Tips

To freeze creamy tomato spinach chicken, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. This meal can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps keep the flavor and texture intact.

FAQs

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use milk with cornstarch or a mix of milk and butter. This makes a creamy sauce without heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or almond milk. Both choices add flavor and richness. Adjust the amount to get your desired creaminess in the sauce.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just thaw it first and squeeze out the extra water. This helps keep the sauce from becoming too watery. Frozen spinach is quick and easy, making your meal prep faster. Use about 1 cup of frozen spinach as a substitute for fresh.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F. You can also cut into the chicken; the juices should run clear, not pink. Cooking time varies, so use a meat thermometer for the best results. This ensures your chicken is safe and delicious.

You learned about key ingredients and equipment needed for your dish. I shared step-by-step plans for cooking chicken, making the sauce, and finishing your meal. Tips helped you avoid mistakes and serve it well. I also covered variations for healthy eating and storing leftovers. Remember to experiment with flavors and enjoy your cooking journey. With these insights, you can create a delightful meal that suits your taste. Happy cookin

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil for garnish - Large skillet - Cutting board - Knife - Measuring cups and spoons - Wooden spoon or spatula - Lid for the skillet This dish needs simple items you can find easily. The fresh spinach adds a nice touch. You can skip the basil, but it looks pretty on top! Make sure you have all tools ready. A large skillet helps cook everything nicely. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your chicken breasts. Make sure they are boneless and skinless. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds great flavor! Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about three to four minutes until it looks translucent. This step builds a nice base for your dish. Now, add three minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for one more minute. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. Once the onions and garlic are ready, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear each side for about four to five minutes until golden brown. This gives the chicken a nice color and flavor. After searing, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Then, add one cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir everything together. This will create a creamy sauce that coats the chicken well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This means you want small bubbles, not a rolling boil. Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it’s safe to eat. Once the chicken is cooked, add two cups of fresh spinach. Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt quickly, and the cheese will melt into the sauce. This adds creaminess and flavor. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Now, serve the chicken right away. Spoon the creamy sauce over it. If you like, garnish with fresh basil for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious meal! To make your creamy tomato spinach chicken shine, focus on the seasoning. Use fresh herbs if you can. They bring a burst of flavor. Make sure to taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy. Serve this dish over pasta or rice for a complete meal. The creamy sauce works great with both. You can also pair it with a side salad or crusty bread. This adds crunch and freshness. For a pop of color, use fresh basil on top. It adds a nice touch and flavor. Avoid cooking the chicken at too high a heat. This can dry it out. Make sure to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F to be safe. Don’t skip the spinach—it's key for texture and nutrition. Lastly, don’t rush the simmering stage. Let the flavors blend for a rich sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality tomatoes can greatly enhance the flavor of the dish. Look for vibrant greens and ripe tomatoes for the best results. Check Chicken Temperature: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning to your taste or add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Experimenting can lead to a more personalized dish. Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier bite. {{image_2}} You can make this dish healthier with a few easy swaps. Use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream. This change cuts calories while keeping the creaminess. You can also add more spinach. Spinach offers fiber and vitamins. Replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier option. If you want, cut down on the cheese or use a lower-fat version. To boost the flavor, try adding more herbs. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. You can also mix in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. A splash of lemon juice adds freshness and balances the creaminess. For a smoky taste, try adding a bit of smoked paprika. These simple tweaks can make the dish even more exciting! If chicken isn’t your thing, you have options! Shrimp works great in this recipe. Just cook it until it turns pink and tender. You could also use firm tofu for a plant-based version. Cut the tofu into cubes and sauté until golden. For a heartier dish, consider using turkey breast. It cooks similarly and gives you a tasty meal! After enjoying your creamy tomato spinach chicken, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing. When you're ready to eat again, take the leftovers out of the fridge. You can reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to avoid sticking. You can also microwave the dish in a safe bowl. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce creamy. To freeze creamy tomato spinach chicken, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. This meal can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps keep the flavor and texture intact. You can use milk with cornstarch or a mix of milk and butter. This makes a creamy sauce without heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or almond milk. Both choices add flavor and richness. Adjust the amount to get your desired creaminess in the sauce. Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just thaw it first and squeeze out the extra water. This helps keep the sauce from becoming too watery. Frozen spinach is quick and easy, making your meal prep faster. Use about 1 cup of frozen spinach as a substitute for fresh. Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F. You can also cut into the chicken; the juices should run clear, not pink. Cooking time varies, so use a meat thermometer for the best results. This ensures your chicken is safe and delicious. You learned about key ingredients and equipment needed for your dish. I shared step-by-step plans for cooking chicken, making the sauce, and finishing your meal. Tips helped you avoid mistakes and serve it well. I also covered variations for healthy eating and storing leftovers. Remember to experiment with flavors and enjoy your cooking journey. With these insights, you can create a delightful meal that suits your taste. Happy cooking!$