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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to ensure they are well flavored before cooking.
- 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.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- 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.
- Cook Spinach: Add the fresh spinach and cook it until wilted, which only takes a few minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
