Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This creamy Tuscan chicken is inspired by classic Italian flavors with a modern twist! Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned and seared, then simmered in a rich, velvety cream sauce filled with parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, onions, and plenty of spinach. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and elegance, and sure to win over anyone at the dinner table! Serve with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of this delectable sauce.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups baby spinach
1½ cups heavy cream
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet, sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan. Let simmer.
5. Return chicken to skillet and cook for 5 more minutes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 595 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear. Evenly season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Sear without moving for 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. The chicken will not be fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Build the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Wilt the Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet. Toss continuously for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is just wilted.
5. Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Finish Cooking: Return the seared chicken breasts and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching 165°F internally).
Serving Suggestions
This rich dish pairs beautifully with sides that can absorb the luxurious sauce. Serve it over a bed of fettuccine, pappardelle, or angel hair pasta. For a lower-carb option, try it with zucchini noodles, mashed cauliflower, or a simple risotto. A crusty loaf of garlic bread is essential for mopping up every last bit of sauce. A light, crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps balance the meal’s richness.
How-to Summary
Sear seasoned chicken breasts and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Wilt spinach, then add heavy cream and parmesan to create a sauce. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer until cooked through. Serve immediately with your chosen sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice. They may require a slightly longer searing time due to their higher fat content.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less thick. You can also add a tablespoon of flour when sautéing the onions to help thicken a lighter liquid.
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. Alternatively, create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce base ahead. Store separately in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat the sauce gently, then add the chicken to finish cooking.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers make a great substitute, offering a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Sear chicken in batches if needed. Crowding steams the chicken instead of creating a flavorful crust.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Always grate fresh parmesan for a smooth melt.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Since the chicken finishes cooking in the sauce, remove it from the initial sear just as it gets color. This prevents dry, tough meat.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Cream: Ensure the cream is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, when adding parmesan. High heat can cause the cheese to separate.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a stunning one-pan meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with straightforward techniques. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a consistently impressive dish. The combination of savory chicken, vibrant spinach, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and rich parmesan cream sauce is truly irresistible. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.