Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts; 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained); 5 oz Spinach (fresh); 1 cup Heavy cream; 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black pepper

Okay, friends, let’s talk about comfort food. Specifically, comfort foods.Creamy Tuscan Chicken. The best partThink chicken piccata, but instead of that bright lemony flavor, you’re diving headfirst into a bowl of ice cream. What is a creamy, sun-dried tomato, garlic- Is this one of those dishes that feels way fancier than it actually is to make? I swear, the first time I made this, I thought I was cheating somehow because it was so easy. My family devoured it! Is there any better way to eat lasagna than my favorite? What are some quick, easy, and satisfying recipes for a weeknight meal?

What is Creamy Tuscan Chicken?

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is essentially chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and then grilled to perfection. Smothered in a luscious cream sauce brimming with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. What makes this dish a comfort food? What is the right amount of tang from sun-dried tomatoes? What do you think of this one-pan wonder that’s both elegant enough for a dinner party and simple enough to make it stand out from the crowd? What are some good nights on a Tuesday night? What is a weeknight flavor explosion? What is it like to spend hours in the kitchen?

Why do I love this recipe?

What’s not to love?FirstWhat are some of the best combinations of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and those bursts of sun-dried tomatoes? What are some amazing things Is this a symphony of tastes that will have you going back for seconds (and maybe thirds)?Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make. If you’re not a confident cook, you can nail this recipe. What’s the secret to cooking chicken?Third, it’s pretty darn cost effective. Chicken breasts are generally budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are pantry staples or a good substitute for breadcrumbs. Can be found at your local grocery store.finally, it’s versatile! Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that goodness. I personally love serving it with garlic mashed potatoes – the creamy sauce with the cream sauce. What is a match made in heaven? What do you love about this movie?Creamy Tuscan Chicken.Is that it feels like a restaurant-quality meal, but I can whip it up in my own kitchen in under an hour? What is a good dinner to make? What is your new go-to recipe for Creamy Tuscan Chicken? I’ve lost count of the times I’ve made this for friends and family, and it’s always a hit. Is it a show-stopper that requires very little effort – my favorite kind of recipe?

How do you make creamy Tuscan chicken?

Quick Overview

How do I make creamy Tuscan chicken? How do I start cooking chicken breasts? How do you make a creamy, dreamy sauce in the same pan? How do you let the sauce simmer and reduce, allowing all those amazing flavors to meld together? Is it a one-pan wonder that can be made in less than an hour? Don’t be intimidated – you’ve got this!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

What is the Creamy Tuscan Sauce?
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

How do you pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels? After cooking, season them generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Is it safe to cook a pork loin? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. How do I cook garlic for about 1-2 minutes?

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream and chicken broth. Pour in the hot water. What are the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet? Where all the flavor lives? Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan and Spinach

Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach has wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them in the sauce. What is the best way to serve chicken in a sauce pan? If you want that extra kick, stir in the red pepper flakes.

Step 7: Simmer and Serve

Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. I’m telling you, people will think you’re a culinary genius!

What is the best way to serve it?

What is the beauty of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?

Over Pasta:Toss it with your favorite pasta shape, like fettuccine, linguine or penne. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the noodles.

With Rice:Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for scrumptious meal.

Mashed Potatoes Creamy Tuscan Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes is pure comfort food heaven. I especially love garlic mashed potatoes with this dish.

Crusty Bread: Don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce! I always have a loaf on hand when I make this dish.

For my family, we often serve this with a simple side salad. Something light and fresh helps balance the richness of the chicken and sauce. One time, I even tried serving it with quinoa and grilled asparagus, and it was surprisingly good! My grandma always made a big fuss over serving it with a side of roasted vegetables. Honestly, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Want to take your Creamy Tuscan Chicken to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:

Sear it Right: Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Sear it in batches if necessary. This ensures that the chicken gets a nice, golden-brown crust.

Use Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The quality of your sun-dried tomatoes will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce. I prefer oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, but you can use dried ones if you rehydrate them in hot water first.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of cream and chicken broth to achieve your desired sauce consistency. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a longer time. If you want a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth.

Add a Splash of White Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of dry white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the wine reduce for a minute or two before adding the cream and chicken broth. This is something I learned from a chef friend, and it really elevates the dish!

Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use a dash of hot sauce. I once accidentally added too much red pepper, and my husband actually loved the extra kick! Now, I always add a little bit just for him.

I always let the sauce simmer for a good amount of time, even longer than the recipe suggests. This really allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken up. I learned this the hard way when my sauce was too runny once – nobody wants runny sauce! Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese. I’ve tried using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan, and it was amazing! The key is to have fun and make it your own.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Creamy Tuscan Chicken:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.

Glaze Timing Advice: The sauce thickens as it cools, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to restore it to its original consistency. I always add a little bit of fresh Parmesan cheese when reheating to brighten up the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They’re more flavorful and stay moist during cooking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this dairy-free by using coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. I’ve tested it with almond milk, and it actually made it even creamier, though it had a slight almond taste.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just add them to the skillet along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this ahead of time. Prepare the chicken and sauce according to the recipe instructions, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the chicken. This is a great option for busy weeknights!

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can use roasted red peppers as a substitute. They’ll add a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the skillet.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe! I truly believe this is one of those dishes that everyone should have in their back pocket. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. And if you’re a fan of easy chicken dinners like this, you should also check out my lemon herb roasted chicken or the Garlic Parmesan wings, both of which are super popular with the family. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Creamy Tuscan Chicken turns out! I can’t wait to hear your feedback and see your own variations. Happy cooking! And please do rate the recipe – it helps others find it too!