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Italian Chicken with Creamy Tomato Spinach Sauce

This Italian Chicken with Creamy Tomato Spinach Sauce features tender seared chicken thighs simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. A cozy, restaurant-quality one-skillet dinner ready in under 45 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 –2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ stick 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 small package cherry tomatoes about 1½ cups
  • 1 generous handful fresh spinach about 2 cups loosely packed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Cooked pasta of choice penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti, for serving

Method
 

Season the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with Italian seasoning and garlic salt.
Sear the Chicken
  1. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken thighs and sear each side until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side.
  3. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
Make the Sauce Base
  1. In the same skillet (do not wipe it out), add the butter and let it melt into the pan drippings.
  2. Stir in the sliced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté until they begin to blister and soften.
Add Spinach & Cream
  1. Stir in the spinach and allow it to wilt slightly.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, stirring until creamy and smooth.
Return Chicken & Bake
  1. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the sauce.
  2. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top.
  3. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Finish & Serve
  1. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese over the top and place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
  2. Serve warm over leftover or freshly cooked pasta of your choice.

Notes

Fresh garlic is key to the rich flavor — avoid using minced garlic from a jar if possible.
This sauce also pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.