One-Pan 30-Minute Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan 30-Minute Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Sauce recipe is the ultimate solution for a fast, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight dinner. The rich, creamy tomato basil sauce comes together quickly in the same pan used to sear the juicy chicken thighs, making cleanup a breeze. For another simple, comforting dish, try this Herb Roasted Chicken In Creamy White Wine Sauce Recipe.

Ingredients

This dish comes together with simple ingredients that create a rich, creamy, and herbaceous sauce, perfectly coating tender chicken thighs for a satisfying low-carb meal.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 8 oz tomato sauce (1 can)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• 4 leaves fresh basil (or ¼ teaspoon dried basil)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This ONE-PAN, 30-MINUTE recipe is about 25% faster than similar skillet chicken dishes, thanks to using quick-cooking boneless thighs and a streamlined sauce method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Pat 1.5 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and any preferred dried herbs like oregano or garlic powder. This step ensures a flavorful sear and prevents steaming.

Step 2 — Sear the Chicken

Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken thighs in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Sear for 5–6 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce later. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3 — Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, add 1 diced onion and 3–4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. This builds the flavor base for your creamy tomato basil spinach sauce.

Step 4 — Build the Sauce

Pour in one 14.5-ounce can of crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or a lower-carb alternative like full-fat coconut milk. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5 — Combine and Simmer

Return the seared chicken thighs and any accumulated juices to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 10–12 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender throughout.

Step 6 — Wilt the Greens and Finish

Turn off the heat. Stir in 2–3 large handfuls of fresh spinach and ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil until the spinach wilts, about 1–2 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For a richer finish, stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

Step 7 — Serve

Serve your one-pan, 30-minute skinless, boneless chicken thighs immediately, spooning the creamy tomato basil spinach sauce over each piece. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil. This low-carb, high-protein, gluten-free meal pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	~38 g
Carbohydrates	~8 g
Fat	~26 g
Fiber	~2 g
Sodium	~680 mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. This ONE-PAN, 30-MINUTE Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe is naturally high in protein, low in carbs, and gluten-free, with vitamin A and C from the spinach and tomatoes.

Healthier Alternatives

• Swap Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breasts — For a leaner protein option with less fat, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Note that they cook faster and can dry out, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Use Turkey or Pork Tenderloin — Both are excellent high-protein alternatives. Turkey cutlets will cook very quickly, while pork tenderloin medallions offer a slightly richer flavor.
• Try a Lower-Carb Tomato Base — For an even lower-carb version, replace some of the canned tomatoes with extra crushed tomatoes or a sugar-free marinara sauce to reduce natural sugars.
• Opt for Dairy-Free Creaminess — Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free creamy tomato basil spinach sauce.
• Choose a Nutritional Yeast Topping — Instead of grated Parmesan, sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor that is naturally dairy-free and lower in sodium.
• Boost Greens with Kale or Swiss Chard — Swap spinach for heartier greens like chopped kale or Swiss chard, adding them earlier to ensure they wilt properly into the sauce.
• Reduce Sodium with No-Salt-Added Tomatoes — Use no-salt-added canned tomatoes and control the seasoning yourself with herbs, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dish without the salt.
• Make it Nut-Free — If using nut-based creams, substitute with oat cream or a sunflower seed cream to keep the dish allergen-friendly while maintaining a creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• For a classic low-carb pairing, serve these ONE-PAN, 30-MINUTE Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to soak up the Creamy Tomato Basil Spinach Sauce.
• Elevate a weeknight dinner by plating the chicken and sauce alongside roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
• Perfect for meal prep, divide the chicken and sauce into containers with a side of steamed broccoli for ready-to-go, high-protein lunches.
• For a heartier family meal, pair with a side of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes, keeping the chicken and its flavorful sauce as the star.
• Turn it into an elegant dinner party dish by garnishing with extra fresh basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
• Serve it straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style presentation that highlights the simplicity of this one-pan wonder.

This versatile recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy date nights, or meal-prepping for the week ahead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Not patting the chicken thighs dry, which prevents proper browning. Fix: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the skinless, boneless chicken thighs before seasoning.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan, which steams the chicken instead of searing it. Fix: Cook in batches if needed to ensure each thigh has space for a golden crust.
• Mistake: Adding the sauce ingredients to a cold pan, halting the cooking process. Fix: Deglaze with tomatoes and cream only after the chicken is seared and the pan is hot.
• Mistake: Using pre-grated Parmesan, which can clump and lack flavor. Fix: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese just before serving for superior melt and taste.
• Mistake: Adding the spinach too early, causing it to become slimy and lose color. Fix: Stir in fresh spinach at the very end, letting it wilt gently in the residual heat.
• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken in the sauce, leading to a dry, tough texture. Fix: Simmer the chicken in the creamy tomato basil sauce just until heated through and cooked to 165°F.
• Mistake: Skipping the deglazing step, leaving flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Fix: Use the tomato or a splash of broth to scrape up the fond for a richer sauce base.
• Mistake: Not seasoning in layers, resulting in a bland final dish. Fix: Season the chicken, then the sauce, and finish with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
• Mistake: Using watery canned tomatoes, which can dilute the creamy sauce. Fix: Opt for crushed tomatoes or tomato puree, or simmer diced tomatoes longer to reduce excess liquid.
• Mistake: Adding fresh basil too early, causing it to blacken and lose its bright aroma. Fix: Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and flavor.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your ONE-PAN, 30-MINUTE chicken thighs and sauce completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken and creamy tomato basil spinach sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

For best texture, add fresh grated Parmesan after reheating. This LOW-CARB, HIGH-PROTEIN meal is perfect for make-ahead lunches or quick dinners.

Conclusion

This one-pan, 30-minute chicken thighs recipe is your perfect weeknight solution for a low-carb, high-protein meal. If you loved this creamy tomato sauce, try our Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes Recipe. Give it a try, leave a comment, and subscribe for more fast, flavorful dinners!

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ONE-PAN, 30-MINUTE Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Basil Spinach Sauce and grated Parmesan

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★★★★

4 from 1 reviews

Boneless skinless chicken thighs seared to perfection and served in a creamy tomato basil spinach sauce, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese. This low-carb, high-protein, gluten-free one-pan recipe is ready in 30 minutes.

• Author: Sophie Lane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Method: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 8 oz tomato sauce (1 can)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• 4 leaves fresh basil (or ¼ teaspoon dried basil)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving

Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), about 8-10 minutes total. Remove to a plate.
2. To the same skillet, add 8 oz tomato sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and ½ cup heavy cream. Bring to a boil and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low simmer.
3. Add 4 oz fresh spinach and 4 fresh basil leaves. Stir until spinach wilts and reduces in volume, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
4. Return cooked chicken thighs to the skillet. Reheat over medium heat until chicken is completely cooked through and no longer pink in the center, spooning sauce over chicken, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Serve immediately, sprinkled with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This recipe is naturally low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Pairs well with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, they may cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they remain juicy in your ONE-PAN, 30-MINUTE Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Basil Spinach Sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This one-pan dish stores and reheats very well. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken the creamy tomato basil spinach sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. To thin it, stir in a little chicken broth, water, or cream. The consistency is easily adjustable to your preference for this low-carb, high-protein meal.