Tomato Chicken with Spinach

This tomato chicken with spinach recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful, nutritious, and quick to prepare. Tender chicken simmers gently in a vibrant tomato sauce, brought to life with fresh bell peppers and garlic, while spinach adds a fresh, earthy touch. The blend of paprika and olive oil gives the dish a subtle smoky richness without heavy cream, keeping it light yet satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

I first cooked this dish on a hectic weeknight and loved how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. My family was so impressed by the colorful peppers and tender chicken that it quickly became a goto favorite.

Ingredients

• Chicken or turkey breast: diced about 500 grams for tender lean protein that absorbs the flavors well
• Three bell peppers of different colors: cut lengthwise add sweet crunch and vibrant color, choose firm peppers without wrinkles for freshness
• One can of blended tomatoes: forms the rich tomato base, opting for good quality canned tomatoes makes a noticeable difference in flavor
• Fresh or frozen spinach: 80 grams for nutrition and an earthy taste, fresh is best but frozen works if thoroughly thawed
• Four garlic cloves: chopped provide aromatic depth that infuses the whole dish
• Four tablespoons olive oil: use extra virgin for the richest flavor and healthy fats
• Salt and pepper: to taste for proper seasoning and balance
• Paprika: adds mellow smokiness and beautiful color, Hungarian or Spanish paprika works best for authenticity

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 the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer and cover with a lid. Cook for about ten minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through gently and remain juicy inside.

Cook the Peppers and Garlic:

Without removing the lid, add the chopped garlic and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Stir gently to combine. Cook uncovered for five minutes, which softens the peppers just enough to bring out their sweetness while keeping some bite.

Add the Tomato Sauce:

Pour the canned blended tomatoes into the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the chicken and peppers. Let the sauce simmer gently for about five minutes, which helps it thicken slightly and lets all the flavors mingle.

Wilt the Spinach:

Add the fresh or wellthawed spinach to the skillet. Stir it evenly into the tomato mixture, then cover the skillet again. Cook for approximately three minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt completely and release its delicate earthy flavor into the sauce.

Paprika is one of my favorite ingredients here because it brings a gentle smokiness that warms the tomato sauce beautifully. I recall preparing this dish for a family gathering, and the bright colors on the plate never failed to spark smiles before anyone took their first bite.

Storage Tips

Place any leftovers in a sealed container and refrigerate. The dish stays fresh for three to four days and reheats best on the stove over low heat to maintain tender chicken and preserve vegetable texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap turkey for chicken if preferred, it works just as well without losing flavor. For a creamier sauce without dairy, add a splash of coconut milk during the simmering stage. You can also replace bell peppers with zucchini or eggplant to vary the vegetable profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with your favorite pasta for a filling meal or opt for cauliflower rice if you want to keep it low carb. Crusty bread soaks up the luscious sauce wonderfully. Adding a simple green salad on the side balances the dish nicely.

Quick and flavorful, this tomato chicken with spinach makes an effortless weeknight dinner. Pair with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Diced turkey breast works well and cooks in a similar time, offering a lean protein variation without sacrificing flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, cauliflower rice for low carb, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

→ How do I keep the chicken tender?

Cook the chicken covered over medium heat so it stays moist and tender, allowing it to cook gently for about 10 minutes.

→ Can frozen spinach be used instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw frozen spinach well before adding to the skillet to wilt gently without excess moisture.

→ What seasonings enhance the flavor?

Salt, pepper, and paprika brighten the savory notes, while garlic adds aromatic warmth to the sauce.