Creamy Tomato Spinach Skillet Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional) You need a few key ingredients to make creamy tomato spinach skillet chicken. First, get your chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Next, gather your aromatics. You will need olive oil, onion, and garlic. These ingredients add great flavor to your dish. The creamy sauce has three main parts. You want diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and fresh spinach. The tomatoes give a nice tang. The cream makes it rich and smooth. Spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Don't forget your seasonings! Dried basil and Italian seasoning add depth. Salt and pepper help bring all the flavors together. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese is optional but tasty. Sprinkle it on top before serving for extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} Searing the chicken First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown. Make sure its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate. Cover it lightly with foil to keep warm. Sautéing the aromatics In the same skillet, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute until it smells great. Creating the sauce Stir in 1 can of drained diced tomatoes along with 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Incorporating the cream Now, reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix continuously until the sauce is smooth. Allow it to simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken a bit. Adding spinach and warming the chicken Next, toss in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should take a couple of minutes. After that, return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet. Nestle them in the creamy tomato-spinach sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through. Final seasoning adjustments Finally, taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This will keep your meal safe and juicy. Sear the chicken in hot olive oil for a nice color. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side to get that golden brown look. Next, let’s talk about perfecting the sauce consistency. After adding the cream, stir it in slowly. This helps the sauce blend well with the other ingredients. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. When it comes to herbs, fresh is best. Fresh herbs like basil add bright flavor. If you use dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount. They are stronger in flavor. Adjusting spice levels is also key. If you like heat, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, stick to the basic seasoning. Taste the sauce as you go, and find the balance you enjoy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality tomatoes can elevate the flavor of your creamy sauce significantly. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or a plant-based cream alternative. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness. Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional spices like crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_4}} Alternative proteins You can swap chicken with other proteins. Try using shrimp or tofu for a change. Shrimp cooks quickly, adding a seafood twist. Tofu gives a vegetarian option and soaks up the sauce flavors well. Healthier cream options If you want a lighter dish, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. It adds creaminess and protein to the dish. You can also use low-fat milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Both keep the dish tasty while lowering calories. Adding spice For a kick, add chili flakes or crushed red pepper. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. This adds warmth and depth to the sauce. You can also mix in paprika for a smoky flavor. Vegetarian adaptations To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and add more veggies. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These add color and nutrition. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce for extra flavor. After enjoying your creamy tomato spinach skillet chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. Properly stored, it lasts up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, use the microwave's defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat in a skillet as mentioned before. This keeps the creamy texture just right. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure you thaw it first. This will help the chicken cook evenly. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Once thawed, season as usual and follow the cooking steps. This dish goes well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread for dipping - Steamed rice or quinoa - Pasta, like fettuccine or penne - A fresh garden salad These sides balance the creamy sauce and add freshness. You can lighten this dish by making a few simple swaps: - Use chicken breast instead of thighs for leaner meat. - Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. - Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra fiber. - Serve over a bed of greens instead of pasta or rice. These changes keep the flavor while cutting calories. This blog covered key steps to make creamy tomato spinach skillet chicken. We discussed ingredients like chicken, olive oil, and cream. From searing the chicken to perfecting the sauce, each step builds flavor. I shared tips on cooking techniques and flavor upgrades. Plus, I offered variations for different diets and taste preferences. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these insights, you can create a dish that pleases everyone. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Tomato Spinach Skillet Chicken

A delicious skillet dish featuring chicken breasts cooked in a creamy tomato and spinach sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it lightly with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and softened. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring until fragrant.
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, along with the dried basil and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, cooking for about 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the heavy cream. Mix continuously until the sauce is well combined. Allow it to simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
Toss the fresh spinach into the skillet, stirring until it wilts down into the creamy sauce. This should take just a couple of minutes.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, carefully nestling them amidst the creamy tomato-spinach sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a hearty meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, skillet, spinach, tomato