One-Pan Creamy Tomato and Spinach Chicken Breast

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with fresh spinach, all made in one pan for a quick and satisfying family dinner. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs teaspoons salt, teaspoon black pepper, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, stirring to combine. Cook for 4 minutes until tomatoes soften and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 3 cups fresh baby spinach, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy, about 3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato-spinach sauce. Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top and cover the skillet. Simmer on low heat for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil before serving warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Creamy Tomato and Spinach Chicken Breast take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pan Creamy Tomato and Spinach Chicken Breast?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep teaspoons salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Creamy Tomato and Spinach Chicken Breast?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pan Creamy Tomato and Spinach Chicken Breast for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pan Creamy Tomato and Spinach Chicken Breast?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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