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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 62 reviews

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. This comforting skillet meal combines Italian-inspired herbs with a creamy texture that’s perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to let the flavors penetrate.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to develop flavors and avoid burning the garlic.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Let the broth simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavor of the sauce.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach leaves to the sauce and stir gently until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste according to your preference.
  7. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken heats through and absorbs the sauce flavors. Serve immediately for the best taste.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, but adjust cooking time to prevent curdling.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes can be packed in oil or dry; if using dry, rehydrate in warm water before chopping.
  • Chicken breasts can be replaced with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
  • Serve with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the luxurious sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.