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, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make this creamy tomato spinach chicken, you need a few key items: - A large skillet - A cutting board - A knife - A stirring spoon - A measuring cup for the cream - A spatula for flipping the chicken These tools help you cook the chicken evenly and mix the sauce well. Using the right equipment makes cooking easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. This adds flavor and enhances the dish. Carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. Stir often until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This step is key for great flavor. Now, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, juices included. Stir in the Italian seasoning as well. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together nicely. After that, reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Next, add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook it gently, stirring until it wilts. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once the spinach is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy tomato spinach sauce over the chicken. Heat everything together for another 2-3 minutes to warm up the chicken. Finally, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy this dish warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. To make the sauce smooth, add heavy cream slowly. Stir well as you pour it in. This helps it mix evenly. The diced tomatoes give the sauce a nice flavor. Use good-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste. If you want more flavor, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper based on your liking. Cook the chicken over medium heat. This helps it cook evenly. Season both sides well. Don't rush this step; a nice golden crust is key. Cook it for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest on a plate for a few minutes. This keeps it juicy. For a stunning look, use shallow bowls. Place the creamy chicken in the center and pour sauce around it. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. A few basil leaves will add color and freshness. This small touch makes a big difference. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. Pro Tips Chicken Tenderness: To ensure your chicken stays juicy and tender, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Freshness Matters: Whenever possible, use fresh spinach instead of frozen for better texture and flavor in your dish. Customize Your Sauce: Experiment with herbs and spices; adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give your creamy sauce a nice kick! Perfect Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, serve the creamy chicken in shallow bowls, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Shrimp works great in this dish. Just cook the shrimp for a few minutes until they turn pink. You can also use firm tofu for a plant-based option. Slice tofu into cubes and sauté until golden brown. Both options add a fresh twist to the creamy sauce. For a vegetarian take, skip the chicken and add more veggies. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté these in the olive oil until soft. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein. These swaps keep the dish hearty and satisfying without meat. Want to boost flavors? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a tangy kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano enhance the aroma. You can also swap regular Parmesan for a smoked variety for a deeper taste. These small changes can make a big difference in your dish! You can keep leftovers of your creamy tomato spinach chicken in the fridge. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps your meal tasty. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a good option. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating is simple! You can use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl and heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. If using the stovetop, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream if the sauce seems thick. Enjoy your dish just like the first time! Yes, you can use other cheeses. Mozzarella or feta cheese work great too. They add a unique flavor. If you want a stronger taste, try cheddar. Just remember, the cheese should melt well to keep the sauce creamy. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with rice or pasta for a filling meal. A simple salad can add freshness. Garlic bread is also a wonderful choice to soak up the sauce. Choose what you enjoy most! To make it healthier, use less cream or a lighter version. You can swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt. This keeps the dish creamy but reduces calories. Adding more spinach or other veggies boosts nutrition too. Always feel free to adjust to fit your taste and health goals! In this post, we explored how to make a delicious creamy tomato spinach chicken skillet. We covered the key ingredients and cooking gear you need. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking chicken and preparing the sauce. We also discussed tips for perfecting your dish and ways to add variety. Finally, we looked at how to store leftovers and answered common questions. With these insights, you'll impress yourself and others with this tasty meal. Enjoy cooking and have fun experimenting!$

Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with tomatoes and spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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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
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and black pepper
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Carefully place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken develops a golden brown crust and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices, stirring in the Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Reduce the heat to low and incorporate the heavy cream into the tomato mixture, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce turns creamy and luscious.
Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring gently, until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy tomato spinach sauce over the top. Allow it to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is warmed.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and black pepper as needed.
Serve this delightful dish warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top for an aromatic finish.

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, serve the creamy chicken in shallow bowls, ensuring plenty of sauce is pooled around the chicken. A sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan and a few more basil leaves can enhance the visual appeal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, skillet, spinach, tomato