Tomato Chicken with Spinach

This creamy Tomato Chicken with spinach and bell peppers is a perfect weeknight meal that balances vibrant vegetables with tender chicken in a luscious sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish brings restaurant quality right to your home kitchen without spending hours cooking. Its fresh, wholesome ingredients make it both healthy and satisfying, ideal for lunch or dinner.

I first made this recipe on a hectic weekday and appreciated how fast it came together while still tasting special. My family enjoyed the colorful peppers and tender chicken so much they asked for leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

• Chicken or turkey breast diced about 500 grams: lean protein that stays tender in this sauce
• Three bell peppers of different colors cut lengthwise: bring sweetness and vibrant color, choose firm peppers without wrinkles
• One can of blended tomatoes: forms the flavorful base of the sauce, opt for good quality canned tomatoes for depth
• Fresh or frozen spinach 80 grams: adds nutrition and a mellow earthy taste, fresh is preferable but frozen works if thawed well
• Four garlic cloves chopped: infuses the dish with aromatic warmth
• Four tablespoons olive oil: use extra virgin for richer flavor and healthy fats
• Salt and pepper to taste: essential for seasoning and balance
• Paprika for added flavor: adds mild smokiness and a vibrant color, Hungarian or Spanish paprika works beautifully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add chicken to the skillet and cover with a lid, cooking for about ten minutes. This allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and remain juicy.

Cook the Peppers and Garlic:

Once the chicken is tender, add the chopped garlic and the sliced bell peppers. Stir well and cook uncovered for five minutes. This softens the peppers without losing their texture, blending their sweetness with the chicken.

Add the Tomato Sauce:

Pour the blended canned tomatoes into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer gently for five minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.

Wilt the Spinach:

Add the fresh or properly thawed spinach to the skillet. Stir it into the sauce and cover the skillet with the lid. Let it cook for about three minutes until the spinach wilts and fully incorporates into the sauce, lending its lovely earthy essence.

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Paprika is one of my favorite flavor enhancers in this dish. It brings a subtle smokiness that makes the tomato sauce uniquely comforting. I remember making this for a family gathering and the vibrant colors on the plate made everyone smile before the first bite.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for three to four days and reheats nicely on the stove over low heat to preserve the tender texture of the chicken and vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap turkey for chicken without losing any flavor or texture. For a dairy-free creamy element, try adding a splash of coconut milk while simmering the sauce. Bell peppers can be replaced with zucchini or eggplant for a different vegetable twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this alongside your favorite pasta, cauliflower rice to keep it low carb, or with crusty bread that soaks up the sauce beautifully. A simple green salad on the side rounds out the meal perfectly.

Cultural Context

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This dish reflects Mediterranean influences where fresh vegetables, lean meats, and olive oil form the core of healthy, vibrant dinners. Using paprika and tomatoes here hints at the Spanish and Eastern European flavor profiles that celebrate bold but straightforward seasoning.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, diced turkey breast works beautifully and cooks with similar timing, offering a lean protein alternative.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This pairs well with pasta, rice, or simply enjoyed alongside freshly baked bread to soak up the sauce.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cook the chicken with the lid on over medium heat to retain moisture, and allow it to cook through gently for about 10 minutes.

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely, just thaw the spinach beforehand and add it in the final cooking stage to wilt gently without excess water.

→ What seasonings complement the flavors?

Salt, pepper, and paprika enhance the savory notes nicely, while garlic adds aromatic depth.