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Creamy Tuscan Chicken

creamy tuscan chicken - featured image

A quick and easy creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside. (10 minutes)
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same pan, stirring quickly to prevent burning (about 30 seconds), then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let warm and release flavor, about 2 minutes. (3 minutes)
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and remaining Italian seasoning. Let sauce thicken slightly after 3-4 minutes. (5 minutes)
  5. Add fresh baby spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce will look creamy and vibrant. (2 minutes)
  6. Return chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top. Let everything warm together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. (3 minutes)
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. The sauce should be rich but balanced with a touch of brightness from the tomatoes. (1 minute)

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before searing helps achieve a golden crust. Avoid burning garlic by adding it after removing the chicken. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth to loosen it. Simmer sauce gently to prevent curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, easy chicken dinner, Italian chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy chicken sauce