Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and comforting skillet dinner featuring tender, seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. This flavorful one-pan dish is perfect for quick weeknight meals or cozy family dinners, delivering a perfect balance of creamy texture and savory Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor and create a delicious crust while searing.
- Heat oil and sear chicken: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. This method locks in juices and forms a flavorful exterior.
- Remove chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a plate and set aside to rest while preparing the sauce in the same skillet.
- Sauté garlic: Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze skillet: Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, incorporating rich flavor into the sauce.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine the creamy base.
- Simmer sauce: Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes velvety in texture.
- Add tomatoes and spinach: Fold in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, preserving its bright color and nutrients.
- Return chicken to skillet: Place the chicken breasts back into the creamy sauce. Simmer everything together for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and absorbs sauce flavors.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken warm, optionally topping with extra parmesan cheese. Ideal when paired with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Notes
- For extra juiciness, substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce variation.
- The sauce will thicken further as it cools, so serve promptly for best texture.
- Serve over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American