Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare yet feels indulgent and elegant.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
6. Step 6: Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Step 7: Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Step 8: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat through.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Add a splash of white wine before adding the cream for deeper flavor.
• Swap fresh spinach with kale or arugula for a different texture and taste.
• Include mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing garlic and tomatoes for added vegetables.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream, but note the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce separately in advance. Reheat them together gently just before serving to maintain the creamy texture.

What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables make excellent accompaniments.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 105 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe features tender, golden-browned chicken breasts smothered in a rich and flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish is a comforting and elegant meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to ensure they are well flavored before cooking.
2. Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about one minute, allowing their flavor to infuse the garlic and oil.
5. Cook Spinach: Add the fresh spinach and cook it until wilted, which only takes a few minutes.
6. Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir the mixture well and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy Tuscan sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
8. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves for extra color and aroma, then serve the chicken hot for a delicious meal.

Notes

• For an extra kick, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them for a milder flavor.
• Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add more richness; if using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water beforehand.
• Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To make this dish lower in fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream substitute, but sauce may be less rich.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken, skillet chicken, Italian chicken recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach chicken, Parmesan chicken