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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe


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4.1 from 153 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Remove chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a plate and set aside to rest while preparing the sauce in the same skillet.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Simmer sauce: Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes velvety in texture.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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