One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Spinach
A comforting, weeknight-friendly meal with tender chicken simmered in a tomato-basil sauce, finished with fresh greens. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, Olive oil, medium Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) Crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Fresh basil
- 2 cups Spinach
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken to pot and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the same pot; cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 cup fresh basil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Return chicken to pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes). Adjust seasoning if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Spinach?
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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Spinach?
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-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Spinach 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-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Spinach?
American one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
