Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce with fresh spinach, creating a deliciously creamy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Step 3: Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Step 5: Serve the creamy tomato spinach chicken over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh diced tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher flavor when in season.
- Include mushrooms or bell peppers in the sauce for extra veggies.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but the spinach may change texture upon thawing. Freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible and add fresh spinach when reheating.
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Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken recipe offers a luscious combination of seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato cream sauce with fresh spinach. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner, pairing beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the creamy tomato spinach chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious and creamy meal!
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor, but baby spinach can also be substituted.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper or Italian seasoning according to taste.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta like fettuccine, or a bed of steamed rice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy tomato spinach chicken, easy chicken dinner, one skillet chicken, dinner recipe, Italian chicken dish
