One-Pan Creamy Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s both quick to make and easy to clean up after, look no further than this One-Pan Creamy Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken. Packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, tender chicken breasts, vibrant greens, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, this dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. Not only does it deliver restaurant-quality taste, but it also cooks entirely in one skillet—meaning fewer dishes, less mess, and more time enjoying your meal.

The History of One-Pan Meals

One-pan meals have been a staple in home cooking for centuries, rooted in practicality and resourcefulness. Across cultures—from French cassoulet to Spanish paella to Indian curries cooked in heavy-bottomed kadhai pans—the concept of preparing an entire dish in a single vessel has long symbolized efficient, hearty, and economical cooking. In modern times, especially with the rise of busy lifestyles and minimal cleanup preferences, one-pan recipes have surged in popularity. They align perfectly with contemporary demands for speed, simplicity, and flavor. This One-Pan Creamy Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken draws inspiration from rustic European techniques, blending Italian sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs with American-style pan-searing methods to create a globally influenced yet approachable dish.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes This Dish Shine?

The magic of this recipe lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each contributing depth, texture, and nutrition:

• Chicken Breast: Lean, protein-rich, and mild in flavor, making it the perfect canvas for bold sauces.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These intensely flavored, chewy tomatoes add a sweet-tart umami punch. Whether oil-packed or dry-cured (rehydrated), they infuse the sauce with rich, concentrated tomato essence.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a delicate earthiness. It wilts beautifully into the sauce without overpowering other flavors.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, velvety base for the sauce. For a lighter version, half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can be substituted.
• Garlic & Onion: Aromatic foundations that build savory depth.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances moisture and layers the sauce with umami while helping deglaze the pan.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and slightly sharp, it melts into the cream to enrich the sauce and add complexity.
• Dried Oregano & Thyme: Classic Mediterranean herbs that complement the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken.
• Olive Oil & Butter: Used for searing and flavor balance—olive oil adds fruitiness, while butter lends richness.
• Flour (Optional): A small amount can be used as a thickener if a denser sauce is desired.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a hint of heat that cuts through the creaminess.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 5 oz fresh spinach (about 5 cups loosely packed)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-safe skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring frequently for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce: If using flour, sprinkle it over the mixture and stir for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds immense flavor). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted and fully incorporated into the sauce. This should take about 2–3 minutes.
7. Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top. Optional: place the skillet under a preheated broiler for 2–3 minutes to lightly brown the tops (ensure pan handle is oven-safe).
8. Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite side—such as pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out the breasts. Remove at 160–162°F; carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F.
• Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They’re softer, more flavorful, and easier to slice than dry ones. Reserve a tablespoon of the oil to use in place of some olive oil for extra flavor.
• Low and Slow on the Sauce: Avoid boiling the cream vigorously, as it may curdle. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer.
• Season in Layers: Season each component—chicken, onions, sauce—for balanced flavor throughout.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after searing before returning to the sauce. This keeps it juicy.
• Customize Thickness: For a thinner sauce, add more broth or cream. For thicker, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit different tastes, dietary needs, and what you have on hand:

• Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier result. You can also try turkey cutlets, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with canned full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan instead of dairy cheese.
• Gluten-Free Option: Omit the flour or replace it with cornstarch, arrowroot, or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced mushrooms, artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or zucchini when sautéing the onions.
• Pasta-Inspired: Turn it into a creamy skillet pasta by adding 8 oz of cooked fettuccine or penne directly into the sauce with the spinach.
• Creamy Avocado Twist: Blend ripe avocado into the sauce for added creaminess and healthy fats.
• Lemon Zest Boost: Add 1 tsp lemon zest at the end for a bright, citrusy lift that balances the richness.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably indulgent, this dish can be part of a balanced diet with mindful modifications:

• High in Protein: Chicken breast provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and satiety (approx. 35g per serving).
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes contain monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like lycopene.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Spinach is rich in iron, vitamin K, folate, and vitamin A. Garlic supports immune function.
• Calcium Source: Parmesan cheese contributes calcium and phosphorus for bone health.
• Calorie Awareness: The heavy cream and cheese increase calorie and saturated fat content. To lighten: use half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or blended cauliflower as a partial cream substitute.
• Sodium Watch: Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan can be high in sodium. Opt for low-sodium broth and rinse sun-dried tomatoes if needed.
• Balanced Plate Tip: Serve with a whole grain or quinoa and a side salad to boost fiber and nutrients.

Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving, serves 4):

• Calories: ~520–580
• Protein: ~40g
• Fat: ~32g (Saturated Fat: ~14g)
• Carbohydrates: ~12g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugar: ~6g (natural from tomatoes and onions)
• Sodium: ~700–900mg (varies with ingredients)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sauce and cook the chicken separately. Store components in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently, add spinach, then nestle in warmed chicken to serve.

Can I freeze creamy chicken dishes?
Freezing is possible but not ideal due to the dairy-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing. If freezing, omit the cream and Parmesan, then add fresh when reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove.

What sides go well with this dish?
Excellent pairings include:

• Fettuccine Alfredo or garlic butter noodles
• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
• Quinoa or risotto
• Crusty sourdough or garlic bread
• Simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Why did my sauce curdle?
Dairy-based sauces can curdle if heated too quickly or boiled. Always keep the heat at a gentle simmer. If curdling occurs, remove from heat, whisk in a splash of cold cream, and blend briefly with an immersion blender for smoothness.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but use thawed and well-drained frozen spinach to prevent excess water. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding to avoid diluting the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for keto?
Absolutely! With only ~6–8g net carbs per serving, it fits well within a ketogenic diet. Just ensure your sun-dried tomatoes don’t contain added sugar.

Summary

A rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce—ready in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or impressing guests, this dish delivers gourmet taste with humble effort and endless customization potential.