Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Skillet

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The main star is chicken breasts. They are lean and cook quickly. Olive oil adds healthy fat and flavor. Garlic gives the dish a nice aroma. Diced tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Italian seasoning gives it a warm, herby taste. Parmesan cheese adds saltiness and depth. Fresh basil gives a burst of freshness at the end. This dish is rich in protein from the chicken. The spinach adds vitamins A and C. For those with dairy issues, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free option for a lighter meal. If you want a low-carb option, serve the chicken with a side salad instead of pasta or rice. Always check labels to ensure the ingredients meet your dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with the chicken. You need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Rinse them under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the chicken brown better. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Next, gather your ingredients. You’ll need garlic, diced tomatoes, fresh spinach, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color, and make sure they are cooked through. When done, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add three cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want to smell the garlic, but don’t burn it. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes. Now, lower the heat. Stir in one cup of heavy cream. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese next. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Toss in one cup of fresh spinach. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Cover it with the creamy sauce. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. When ready to serve, place the dish on plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice touch and fresh flavor. Enjoy your creamy tomato spinach chicken skillet! To get a rich and creamy sauce, use heavy cream. It thickens well and adds a nice texture. Stir the cream in slowly after cooking the garlic and tomatoes. This helps to mix it in and avoid lumps. Adding grated Parmesan cheese also enhances creaminess. Always mix until the cheese melts completely. This step is key for a smooth sauce. Start with chicken breasts that are even in thickness. This helps them cook evenly. Season them well with salt and pepper before cooking. Sear the chicken in olive oil for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown color. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures it stays juicy and safe to eat. You will need a large skillet for this dish. A good quality knife is important for chopping garlic and other ingredients. A meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken is cooked right. For mixing the sauce, use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Lastly, have measuring cups handy for accurate ingredient portions. These tools make cooking easier and more fun. Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain its juices, keeping it tender and flavorful. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh spinach and high-quality diced tomatoes. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of the dish. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the sauce, such as red pepper flakes for heat or fresh oregano for a fragrant touch. Serve with a Side: Pair this creamy chicken dish with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. {{image_2}} You can make this dish fit many diets. If you want it gluten-free, check your tomato can for gluten-free labels. For a lower-fat option, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a low-fat cream. If you prefer a chicken alternative, use tofu or chickpeas. These options keep the meal tasty and satisfying. You can change the recipe based on what’s in season. In winter, try adding kale instead of spinach. In summer, fresh tomatoes can replace canned ones for a brighter flavor. During fall, add roasted pumpkin or squash for a tasty twist. Seasonal swaps keep your dish fresh and exciting. You can make this meal in various ways. If you like slow cooking, use a slow cooker. Cook the chicken first, then add the sauce and spinach later. For a quick option, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing. You can also bake the chicken in the oven while you make the sauce on the stove. Each method gives a unique taste and texture. To store leftovers, let the creamy tomato spinach chicken cool. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover the dish well to keep it fresh. When it's time to eat, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat it over medium-low until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to freeze the dish, make sure it cools completely first. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw it first and drain excess water. Frozen spinach cooks faster and blends well in the sauce. This option saves time and reduces waste. To make it dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This keeps the flavor rich without dairy. I love serving this dish with pasta or rice. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a healthy balance. This blog post covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make a creamy tomato spinach chicken skillet. You learned how to create a delicious dish that's both easy and flexible. Remember to store leftovers properly and try the suggested variations to keep it fresh. My final thought is simple: cooking should be fun and tasty. With this recipe, you can impress family and friends with ease. Enjoy your culinary adventure!$

Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Skillet

A delicious skillet dish featuring chicken breasts 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 2

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
14 ounces diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir in the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, covering it with the creamy tomato spinach sauce. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Serve warm and garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, creamy, skillet, spinach, tomato