Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish This recipe uses simple yet fresh ingredients to create a tasty dish. The chicken breasts are the star of the show. They provide a nice base for all the flavors. Spinach adds a vibrant color and healthy touch. Diced tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy note, while heavy cream gives the dish a rich texture. Seasoning is key. The chicken broth adds depth, and garlic and onion boost flavor. Italian seasoning ties it all together, making each bite delicious. Don't forget the olive oil for cooking. It helps the chicken brown nicely and adds flavor. For finishing touches, salt and pepper balance the dish. Fresh basil leaves on top not only look great but also add a fresh taste. Each ingredient works together to create a meal that's sure to impress. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, season the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This adds great flavor. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the seasoned chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it golden brown and cooked through. Once done, take the chicken out and set it on a plate. In the same skillet, add the diced onions. Sauté them until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. This brings out their sweetness. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. The aroma will be amazing! Stir in the drained diced tomatoes next. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the chopped spinach and stir until it wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir well and let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy tomato-spinach sauce over the chicken. Allow it to simmer for another 2 minutes to heat through. Finally, remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This adds a fresh touch! To keep chicken breasts tender and juicy, start with even thickness. You can pound the chicken to about 1 inch. This helps them cook evenly and prevents dryness. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side over medium-high heat. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For smaller breasts, reduce the cooking time. Larger pieces may need an extra minute or two. To adjust the thickness of the sauce, you can add more or less heavy cream. If you want it thicker, let it simmer longer. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth. Taste as you season with salt and pepper. This way, you can make it just right for your liking. This dish pairs well with rice or pasta. A bed of fluffy rice absorbs the creamy sauce nicely. If you prefer pasta, choose something like fettuccine or penne. For presentation, serve the chicken on the side with a generous drizzle of sauce. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a nice touch and color. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness. Fresh Spinach Flavor: For the best flavor, use fresh spinach instead of frozen. It wilts quickly and retains its vibrant color. Customize the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream according to your preference for a richer or lighter sauce. Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. {{image_2}} You can change the main protein in this dish. If you want, swap chicken for turkey or shrimp. Turkey gives a nice flavor and is lean. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet taste. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a tasty choice in this creamy sauce. To make this dish hotter, add red pepper flakes. This spice warms up each bite. You can also mix in other vegetables. Bell peppers add crunch, while mushrooms bring a deep, earthy flavor. Both options enhance the dish and make it more colorful. If you want a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half or coconut cream. These options keep the dish creamy without as many calories. For a vegan version, use cashew cream or coconut milk. Both give a rich taste while keeping it dairy-free. To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents spills. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. For best quality, enjoy your leftovers within three to four days. Yes, you can freeze this dish. To do it well, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. For thawing, move the container to the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. Stir until heated through, and enjoy! Yes, you can prepare Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken ahead of time. Cook the dish as usual, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep it fresh for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, heat it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in a safe dish for a quick option. Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Pasta, like fettuccine or penne - Quinoa for a healthy twist - Garlic bread to soak up the sauce - A fresh salad for a crunchy contrast Each of these sides will balance the creamy sauce and add variety to your meal. Yes, Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken can be gluten-free. The main ingredients, like chicken and vegetables, do not contain gluten. Just be careful with the chicken broth. Some brands add gluten. Always check the label to ensure it is gluten-free. If you want to be safe, use homemade chicken broth to control the ingredients. This blog post shared a simple, tasty recipe for Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting the dish. I also covered storage methods and variations for added creativity. Keep this recipe in mind for your next meal. It’s easy to follow and great for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and remember to make it your own! Your version will be unique and just as delicious.$

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with tomatoes and spinach, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
0.5 cups heavy cream
0.5 cups chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy tomato-spinach sauce over them. Simmer for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a bed of rice or pasta, drizzled with the creamy sauce, and sprinkle extra basil on top for a fresh pop of color.

Keyword chicken, creamy, spinach, tomato