Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken

$- 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!$

Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with spinach and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

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)

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place them in the skillet and sear on each side for about 4-5 minutes, until golden brown.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, spooning the creamy sauce over the chicken, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Serve with pasta or rice for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, spinach, tomato