One-Pan Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Delight

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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role. The chicken is the star, providing protein and texture. Olive oil adds richness and helps cook the chicken. Garlic and onion powders give depth and warmth to the flavor. Crushed tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness, balancing the cream. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Fresh spinach adds color and a slight earthiness. Dried basil and Italian seasoning infuse herbs into the dish. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish that ties everything together. You can easily adjust ingredients to fit your needs. For a lighter version, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. To avoid dairy, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. If you're vegan, replace chicken with tofu and use plant-based cream. For a gluten-free option, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten in canned products. Enjoy making this dish your own while still capturing its essence! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need chicken, olive oil, spices, and tomatoes. The heavy cream and spinach will make the dish creamy and rich. This recipe is easy and quick. You will spend about 10 minutes prepping and 30 minutes cooking. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Sear it for 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside. 4. In the same skillet, add 1 can of crushed tomatoes. Bring it to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring now and then. 5. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream until the sauce is creamy. 6. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. 7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Coat them in the creamy tomato sauce. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. 8. Serve hot and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for garnish. To make sure your chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink. Always check both thick and thin parts of the chicken. Cook it longer if needed. This will keep your meal safe and tasty. To make the sauce creamy, use heavy cream. This adds richness and smoothness. Stir it in slowly to avoid curdling. Adding crushed tomatoes first gives the sauce a nice base. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go, and adjust the flavors to your liking. For tender chicken, start with boneless, skinless breasts. Sear them well on medium-high heat. This gives a nice color and locks in the juices. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. This dish pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it with garlic bread for a classic touch. A simple green salad adds freshness and crunch. You could also serve it over rice or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Pro Tips Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Ensure to season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking. Fresh Spinach Alternative: If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can substitute it with frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the sauce. Customize the Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Besides Parmesan cheese, feel free to add fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for an added burst of freshness. {{image_2}} You can boost this dish with more veggies. Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just chop them and add them to the skillet. Sauté them for a few minutes before adding the spinach. If you want to use other proteins, shrimp or tofu work well. Cook shrimp until they turn pink. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This will give the dish a nice kick. For a low-carb version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream. You can also use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This keeps your meal light and full of flavor. To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It keeps the creaminess without dairy. For cheese, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also try vegan Parmesan for a great topping. These swaps let everyone enjoy this tasty meal. After your meal, let the chicken cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps your dish fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover the sauce well to avoid drying out. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream. This helps keep the sauce creamy. Stir often, and heat until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth. If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool fully. Use a freezer-safe container. Remember to leave room for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently, as mentioned earlier. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal later! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it’s best to thaw it first. If you cook it from frozen, the chicken will take longer to cook. Make sure the center reaches 165°F for safety. The chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part. It should read 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. A fresh salad also makes a great side. Enjoy your meal with something that complements the creamy sauce. This blog post covered key ingredients and their roles in flavor, plus smart substitutions. We went through step-by-step cooking instructions to ensure your chicken is perfect every time. I shared tips for a creamy sauce and the best chicken texture. You also learned fun variations and proper storage methods for leftovers. Remember, good cooking is about creativity and balance. Use these insights to make your dish your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to make dinner simpler and more delicious? I’ve got just the recipe for you! This One-Pan Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken combines tender chicken with vibrant spinach and rich tomato sauce—all in one easy dish. You’ll love how quick it is to prepare and how great it tastes. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking steps to create this delightful meal tonight!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
  3. Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of crushed tomatoes and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
  4. Healthy Spinach Boost: Adding fresh spinach not only enhances the flavor but also packs your dish with nutrients.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 2 cups fresh spinach

– 1 teaspoon dried basil

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Importance of Ingredients in Flavor

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role. The chicken is the star, providing protein and texture. Olive oil adds richness and helps cook the chicken. Garlic and onion powders give depth and warmth to the flavor. Crushed tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness, balancing the cream. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Fresh spinach adds color and a slight earthiness. Dried basil and Italian seasoning infuse herbs into the dish. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish that ties everything together.

Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions

You can easily adjust ingredients to fit your needs. For a lighter version, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. To avoid dairy, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. If you’re vegan, replace chicken with tofu and use plant-based cream. For a gluten-free option, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten in canned products. Enjoy making this dish your own while still capturing its essence!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Overview

Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need chicken, olive oil, spices, and tomatoes. The heavy cream and spinach will make the dish creamy and rich. This recipe is easy and quick. You will spend about 10 minutes prepping and 30 minutes cooking.

Detailed Cooking Steps

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Sear it for 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

4. In the same skillet, add 1 can of crushed tomatoes. Bring it to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring now and then.

5. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream until the sauce is creamy.

6. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Coat them in the creamy tomato sauce. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

8. Serve hot and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for garnish.

Tips for Ensuring Chicken is Cooked Properly

To make sure your chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink. Always check both thick and thin parts of the chicken. Cook it longer if needed. This will keep your meal safe and tasty.

Tips & Tricks

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Sauce

To make the sauce creamy, use heavy cream. This adds richness and smoothness. Stir it in slowly to avoid curdling. Adding crushed tomatoes first gives the sauce a nice base. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go, and adjust the flavors to your liking.

How to Achieve the Best Chicken Texture

For tender chicken, start with boneless, skinless breasts. Sear them well on medium-high heat. This gives a nice color and locks in the juices. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Recommended Sides and Pairings

This dish pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it with garlic bread for a classic touch. A simple green salad adds freshness and crunch. You could also serve it over rice or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Pro Tips

  1. Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Ensure to season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
  2. Fresh Spinach Alternative: If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can substitute it with frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the sauce.
  3. Customize the Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
  4. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Besides Parmesan cheese, feel free to add fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for an added burst of freshness.

Variations

Adding Vegetables or Other Proteins

You can boost this dish with more veggies. Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just chop them and add them to the skillet. Sauté them for a few minutes before adding the spinach. If you want to use other proteins, shrimp or tofu work well. Cook shrimp until they turn pink. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden.

Making it Spicy or Low-Carb

If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This will give the dish a nice kick. For a low-carb version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream. You can also use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This keeps your meal light and full of flavor.

Dairy-Free Alternative Suggestions

To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It keeps the creaminess without dairy. For cheese, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also try vegan Parmesan for a great topping. These swaps let everyone enjoy this tasty meal.

Storage Info

How to Properly Store Leftovers

After your meal, let the chicken cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps your dish fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover the sauce well to avoid drying out.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream. This helps keep the sauce creamy. Stir often, and heat until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth.

Freezing Tips for Future Meals

If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool fully. Use a freezer-safe container. Remember to leave room for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently, as mentioned earlier. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal later!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it’s best to thaw it first. If you cook it from frozen, the chicken will take longer to cook. Make sure the center reaches 165°F for safety.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part. It should read 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat.

What can I serve with One-Pan Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken?

This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. A fresh salad also makes a great side. Enjoy your meal with something that complements the creamy sauce.

This blog post covered key ingredients and their roles in flavor, plus smart substitutions. We went through step-by-step cooking instructions to ensure your chicken is perfect every time. I shared tips for a creamy sauce and the best chicken texture. You also learned fun variations and proper storage methods for leftovers.

Remember, good cooking is about creativity and balance. Use these insights to make your dish your own. Enjoy your cooking journe

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role. The chicken is the star, providing protein and texture. Olive oil adds richness and helps cook the chicken. Garlic and onion powders give depth and warmth to the flavor. Crushed tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness, balancing the cream. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Fresh spinach adds color and a slight earthiness. Dried basil and Italian seasoning infuse herbs into the dish. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish that ties everything together. You can easily adjust ingredients to fit your needs. For a lighter version, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. To avoid dairy, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. If you're vegan, replace chicken with tofu and use plant-based cream. For a gluten-free option, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten in canned products. Enjoy making this dish your own while still capturing its essence! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need chicken, olive oil, spices, and tomatoes. The heavy cream and spinach will make the dish creamy and rich. This recipe is easy and quick. You will spend about 10 minutes prepping and 30 minutes cooking. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Sear it for 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside. 4. In the same skillet, add 1 can of crushed tomatoes. Bring it to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring now and then. 5. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream until the sauce is creamy. 6. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. 7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Coat them in the creamy tomato sauce. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. 8. Serve hot and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for garnish. To make sure your chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink. Always check both thick and thin parts of the chicken. Cook it longer if needed. This will keep your meal safe and tasty. To make the sauce creamy, use heavy cream. This adds richness and smoothness. Stir it in slowly to avoid curdling. Adding crushed tomatoes first gives the sauce a nice base. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go, and adjust the flavors to your liking. For tender chicken, start with boneless, skinless breasts. Sear them well on medium-high heat. This gives a nice color and locks in the juices. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. This dish pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it with garlic bread for a classic touch. A simple green salad adds freshness and crunch. You could also serve it over rice or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Pro Tips Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Ensure to season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking. Fresh Spinach Alternative: If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can substitute it with frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the sauce. Customize the Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Besides Parmesan cheese, feel free to add fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for an added burst of freshness. {{image_2}} You can boost this dish with more veggies. Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just chop them and add them to the skillet. Sauté them for a few minutes before adding the spinach. If you want to use other proteins, shrimp or tofu work well. Cook shrimp until they turn pink. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This will give the dish a nice kick. For a low-carb version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream. You can also use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This keeps your meal light and full of flavor. To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It keeps the creaminess without dairy. For cheese, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also try vegan Parmesan for a great topping. These swaps let everyone enjoy this tasty meal. After your meal, let the chicken cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps your dish fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover the sauce well to avoid drying out. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream. This helps keep the sauce creamy. Stir often, and heat until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth. If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool fully. Use a freezer-safe container. Remember to leave room for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently, as mentioned earlier. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal later! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it’s best to thaw it first. If you cook it from frozen, the chicken will take longer to cook. Make sure the center reaches 165°F for safety. The chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part. It should read 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. A fresh salad also makes a great side. Enjoy your meal with something that complements the creamy sauce. This blog post covered key ingredients and their roles in flavor, plus smart substitutions. We went through step-by-step cooking instructions to ensure your chicken is perfect every time. I shared tips for a creamy sauce and the best chicken texture. You also learned fun variations and proper storage methods for leftovers. Remember, good cooking is about creativity and balance. Use these insights to make your dish your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!

One-Pan Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken

A delicious one-pan meal featuring chicken breasts in a creamy tomato and spinach sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • for garnish grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
  • Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well until the sauce becomes creamy.
  • Add the fresh spinach, dried basil, and Italian seasoning to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the creamy tomato sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Keyword chicken, creamy, one-pan, spinach, tomato

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