Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (pound to even thickness for faster cooking)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for a rich, creamy sauce)
- ½ cup chicken broth (to add depth to the sauce)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (use oil-packed for better flavor)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (adds a fresh, healthy element)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for added flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for a cheesy finish)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (for a balanced blend of herbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will ensure the chicken is flavorful throughout. - Cook the chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temperature). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Tip: To keep the chicken warm, cover it loosely with foil while you prepare the sauce. - Sauté the garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. - Add the sun-dried tomatoes:
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld with the garlic. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy burst of flavor to the dish. - Deglaze with chicken broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the broth to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly. This adds a depth of flavor to the sauce. - Create the creamy sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. The creamy base forms the heart of the dish. - Add spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. The spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients to the sauce. - Return the chicken:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 2 minutes to absorb the flavors. - Finish with Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce. Allow it to melt into the sauce, adding a savory, cheesy richness to the dish. - Garnish and serve:
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken hot, paired with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- You can substitute the spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be less rich.