Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach in Creamy Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sautéed and simmered in a rich tomato sauce with fresh spinach and garlic, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 cups fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and gently simmer the sauce for another 2 minutes until creamy and well combined.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and cook together for 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve hot with your choice of side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach in Creamy Tomato Sauce 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach in Creamy Tomato Sauce?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach in Creamy Tomato Sauce?

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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach in Creamy Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spinach in Creamy Tomato Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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