Josh's Creamy Garlic Basil Chicken with Spinach & Tomato
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this Creamy Garlic Basil Chicken with Spinach & Tomato — a rich, flavorful dish that feels indulgent but comes together quickly in just one pan. Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts are nestled in a velvety sauce made from garlic, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all balanced by the creamy depth of Parmesan and a hint of mushroom. Fresh spinach wilts gently into the mix, adding a burst of color and nutrients. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight meal or impressing guests, this comforting, herb-forward recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 | |
| Salt & pepper | ||
| Smoked paprika, dried thyme, red pepper flakes | Optional | |
| olive oil | 1 tbsp | |
| butter | 1 tbsp | |
| garlic (minced) | 3–4 cloves | |
| finely diced onion | ¼ cup | |
| diced tomatoes | ½ cup | canned is fine |
| handfuls fresh spinach | 2 cups | or ~1 cup loosely packed |
| dried basil | 1 tsp | (or 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil) — add more to taste |
| cream of mushroom soup | ¼ cup | |
| chicken stock | ⅓ cup | |
| Splash of almond milk or cream | for richness | |
| grated Parmesan | ¼ cup | |
| Optional: lemon juice or vinegar for brightness |
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and half the dried basil.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: Lower heat slightly. Add butter, garlic, and onion. Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. Add diced tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in Cream of mushroom soup, Chicken stock, Splash of almond milk or cream, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining basil. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Add spinach, stir until wilted. Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over top. Simmer another 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is glossy.
- Taste & Adjust: Add salt, pepper, or extra basil as needed. A squeeze of lemon juice or splash of vinegar adds a nice zing at the end.
Author
Josh
Die-hard world traveller, hiker, and social host.