Creamy Tomato Skillet Chicken – Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe
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Creamy Tomato Skillet Chicken – Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe
A creamy tomato skillet chicken dish that combines tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and fresh spinach in a velvety, flavorful coating.
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
🥄 1 thin-sliced chicken breast
🥄 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
🥄 Kosher salt and black pepper
🥄 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
🥄 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
🥄 2 cloves garlic (minced)
🥄 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
🥄 2 tablespoons tomato paste
🥄 ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
🥄 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
🥄 ¼ cup cream
🥄 Large handfuls fresh baby spinach
🥄 Fresh basil and Parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
👨🍳 Season the thin-sliced chicken with half a teaspoon of garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
👨🍳 In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
👨🍳 Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
👨🍳 Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
👨🍳 In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic.
👨🍳 Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
👨🍳 Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
👨🍳 Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
👨🍳 Reduce heat to low and let the sauce thicken for 5-7 minutes.
👨🍳 Add the cream and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer for another minute.
👨🍳 Return the chicken to the skillet and let it cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
👨🍳 Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted.
👨🍳 Serve over pasta, rice, or on its own.
👨🍳 Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 15
Introduction
In the bustling rhythm of modern life, it’s rare to find a meal that is both satisfying and quick to prepare. The Creamy Tomato Skillet Chicken stands as a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly indulgent. This easy 30-minute dinner recipe is a testament to the power of combining fresh, quality components with straightforward cooking techniques. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or a home cook looking for something special, this dish delivers rich flavor, creamy texture, and a burst of umami in every bite. With its vibrant tomato base, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, it’s an effortless yet elegant meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to your table.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity without compromising on taste. The combination of tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth creates a deeply flavored, velvety base that perfectly coats the chicken. The addition of fresh spinach and cream brings a smooth, creamy texture, while the garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of butter elevate the overall profile. This dish can be served over pasta, rice, or even as a hearty skillet supper on its own. It’s versatile, filling, and always a crowd pleaser.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality meal, this Creamy Tomato Skillet Chicken is a go-to recipe that never disappoints. With its quick prep time and minimal ingredients, it’s a true testament to how easy it is to make something delicious when you use the right balance of flavors.
Ingredients List
The ingredients in this creamy tomato skillet chicken are carefully selected to provide a well-rounded and robust flavor profile. Each component plays a vital role in creating the dish’s signature taste and texture.
- 1 thin-sliced chicken breast
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup cream
- Large handfuls fresh baby spinach
- Fresh basil and Parmesan (for serving)
This exact list of ingredients ensures a consistent and predictable result. The thin-sliced chicken ensures even cooking and a tender texture, while the tomato paste and sauce provide the base for the rich, savory flavor. The combination of butter and olive oil gives the dish a luxurious finish, and the cream adds a smooth, velvety richness. Fresh spinach provides a pop of color and nutrients, while the basil and Parmesan offer a bright, finishing touch.
Instructions
Begin by preparing the chicken. Season the thin-sliced chicken breast with half a teaspoon of garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the seasonings to meld.
In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken for 5-7 minutes. Once the sauce has reached a creamy consistency, add the cream and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer for another minute.
Return the chicken to the skillet and let it cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Serve the creamy tomato skillet chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, or on its own. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant and satisfying finish.
Tips for Success
To ensure your creamy tomato skillet chicken turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use thin-sliced chicken: This allows for even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming tough or dry. If you don’t have pre-sliced chicken, ask your butcher to slice it thinly.
- Don’t skip the butter: Butter adds richness and depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. It also helps to create a silky texture.
- Don’t overcook the spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so add it in the last couple of minutes of cooking to retain its vibrant green color and fresh taste.
- Adjust the thickness to your taste: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more chicken broth. For a richer, creamier sauce, reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer longer.
- Season in layers: Salt and pepper should be added at the beginning of cooking, but the Italian seasoning and cream are best added toward the end to preserve their flavors.
Additionally, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can double the recipe and store portions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion
The Creamy Tomato Skillet Chicken is a versatile and satisfying meal that combines the best of Italian-inspired flavors with the convenience of a quick weeknight dinner. Its creamy tomato base, tender chicken, and fresh spinach make it a nutrient-dense, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of day. With its ease of preparation and rich taste, it’s no wonder this recipe is a favorite among home cooks and busy families alike.
Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick meal or impress your guests, this skillet chicken delivers on both taste and convenience. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that proves that with the right ingredients and technique, even the most basic components can become something extraordinary. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon find yourself adding it to your regular rotation.
