Amazing Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Chicken

Cozy Chicken Perfection

In our small circle of friends, the kitchen is like a canvas where we paint with flavors and memories. Our passion for cozy chicken dinners comes alive in the rhythm of everyday cooking, crafting meals that warm our hearts and nurture our spirits. Each recipe we create focuses on simplicity, comfort, and connection, transforming busy weeknights into delightful culinary experiences. We believe in the magic of food to create familiarity and joy, uniting friends around the dinner table with warmth and ease.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian
Best Season: Year-round

Reasons We Love Making This

Irresistible Taste: The combination of creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes adds a zesty dimension to the tender chicken, making every bite a burst of flavor. It’s a dish that promises to leave everyone at the table smiling.
Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights without compromising on taste and comfort. It proves that quick meals can also be deliciously satisfying.
Versatile: Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or a fresh side salad, this dish adapts beautifully to fit any occasion or dietary preference. You’ll find yourself wanting to make it again and again.
One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup required, you can enjoy the comfort of a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe makes it easy to embrace the joy of cooking at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boneless chicken breasts
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
Fresh spinach
Heavy cream
Garlic (minced)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Italian seasoning

Ingredient Insights

Boneless Chicken Breasts: Opt for fresh chicken for the best flavor; if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Choose packed-in-oil varieties for softer texture and more intense flavor; they can be swapped for fresh tomatoes if needed.
Fresh Spinach: Look for vibrant green leaves, and be sure to wash them thoroughly before use. If you’re in a pinch, frozen spinach can work as well.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half or milk can be substituted, but the sauce will be less rich.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, ensuring the pan is adequately hot before adding anything.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reads 165°F.
Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, allowing it to rest.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to create a creamy sauce. Add in the fresh spinach, cooking until wilted and combined with the sauce.
Return the chicken to the pan, ensuring it is coated well with the creamy mixture. Cook for an additional minute to reheat the chicken thoroughly.
Serve warm, drizzling any leftover sauce over the chicken for added flavor; enjoy!

Pro Pointers for Best Results

Opt for a meat thermometer to accurately determine when the chicken is perfectly cooked.
Allow the cream to simmer gently; high heat can cause it to separate instead of enveloping the chicken in a smooth texture.
Feel free to adjust the amount of sun-dried tomatoes based on your taste preference for sweetness and acidity.
Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors even further and balances the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Chicken.

Flavorful Variations

Vegan Adaptation: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, use coconut cream instead, and adjust seasoning for a plant-based version without losing flavor.
Mild Flavor: Reduce the garlic and eliminate Italian seasoning, or use a more subtle herb such as thyme for a gentler flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic, or incorporate a splash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce to enhance the heat profile.
Regional Twist: Experiment with adding different herbs or cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, for a Mediterranean flair.

What to Serve With It

Pair this delightful dish with a crisp, mixed green salad or fluffy garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For drinks, a sparkling lemonade or a light white wine is perfect, while a homemade berry dessert can add a sweet ending to your meal.

Prep Ahead for Ease

Preparation is key for busy weeknights. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic in advance for a smoother cooking experience. To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes well—store it in a safe container (label it so you’ll know what’s inside). When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Plating Ideas for Comfort

Serving this dish on a rustic wooden board adds a cozy vibe and a touch of warmth. Drizzle extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with a bit of fresh herbs or additional Parmesan to impress your guests or family.

Cook Like a Pro

Always taste as you go! Adjust seasonings to match your preferred flavor profile, ensuring the balance is just right.
Use a sturdy skillet for even cooking; non-stick options can help prevent sticking but wooden or stainless-steel can achieve a lovely crust on the chicken.
Don’t rush the spinach; it should be wilted but still vibrant green. This ensures your dish remains appealing and fresh.

Storing Your Leftovers

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For best results reheating, consider warming on the stovetop instead of in the microwave—this helps maintain the creamy texture. If using a microwave, do so at reduced power settings to gently warm without breaking the sauce.

Common Queries Clarified

Can I use frozen chicken? Definitely! Just ensure to fully thaw before cooking for even results.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute it with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative such as almond milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
Is there a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes? Fresh tomatoes can work, but their flavor will be more tart and less concentrated.
Can this be a meal prep option? Absolutely! Prepare components ahead, store separately, and combine when ready to eat.
What if leftovers dry out? Add a splash of chicken broth or more cream when reheating to restore moisture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check your packaged ingredients, like the cream, for gluten-free certification.

Nutrition Info

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 590
Protein: 45g
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary.

A Warm Reflection

Cooking this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Chicken brings back memories of gathering around the dinner table with friends and family, sharing stories and laughter over flavorful meals. This recipe embodies everything good about home-cooked food, showcasing how simple ingredients can create unforgettable experiences. The richness of the creamy sauce harmonizes beautifully with the vibrant colors of the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, reflecting our belief that cooking should be a joyful, communal activity.

Ending on a Delicious Note

So, venture into your kitchen and give this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Chicken a try! It’s not just a meal—it’s an opportunity to create moments filled with warmth and connection. Whether you’re cozying up with family or enjoying a dinner with friends, we’d love to see your beautiful creations. Cook, share, and pin this recipe today, and let its comforting flavors find a special place on your table.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Chicken

A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 590

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces Boneless chicken breasts Opt for fresh chicken for the best flavor; ensure frozen chicken is fully thawed before cooking.
1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Choose packed-in-oil varieties for a softer texture and more intense flavor.
2 cups Fresh spinach Look for vibrant green leaves and wash them thoroughly; frozen spinach can also work.
1 cup Heavy cream Half-and-half or milk can be used for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons Olive oil
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Method

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reads 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Cooking

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to create a creamy sauce. Add fresh spinach, cooking until wilted and well combined.
Return the chicken to the pan, ensuring it is well coated with the creamy mixture. Cook for an additional minute to reheat the chicken thoroughly.
Serve warm, drizzling any leftover sauce over the chicken.

Notes

For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked. Allow cream to simmer gently; high heat can cause it to separate. Add lemon juice before serving for a bright contrast.