This Italian-Style Chicken and Spinach Skillet is a quick and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken with fresh spinach and flavorful tomatoes, all seasoned to perfection. This recipe offers a burst of Italian-inspired flavors with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s an excellent option for a family dinner or a simple, healthy lunch. The addition of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory richness that perfectly complements the light and fresh ingredients. It’s a wholesome, satisfying dish that will leave you feeling nourished and delighted.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into small, bite-sized chunks.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with Italian herbs if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow it to cook gently for approximately 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to blend and harmonize.
- Cook the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
- Combine chicken and spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and let it melt into the sauce for about 1 minute.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Conclusion:
This Italian-Style Chicken and Spinach Skillet is a simple, flavorful, and healthy recipe that comes together in no time. The combination of fresh spinach, tender chicken, and a rich tomato sauce brings a wonderful balance of nutrients and taste. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this dish offers a delicious Italian-inspired experience without the fuss. Serve it as is or with a side of crusty bread or pasta for a more hearty meal.
Italian-Style Chicken and Spinach Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into small, bite-sized chunks.
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with Italian herbs if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow it to cook gently for approximately 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to blend and harmonize.
- Cook the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
- Combine chicken and spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and let it melt into the sauce for about 1 minute.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.