Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and comforting dish featuring golden-seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. This Italian-inspired recipe comes together in under 40 minutes and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It’s restaurant-quality but easy enough for weeknight dinners!

Ingredients For Creamy Tuscan Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (packed in oil, drained)

  • 2 cups fresh spinach

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)

  • ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken – Pat chicken dry. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  2. Sear – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

  3. Build the Sauce – In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.

  4. Creamy Base – Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened (3–4 minutes).

  5. Add Veggies – Toss in spinach until wilted. Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over. Simmer for 2 more minutes.

  6. Serve – Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or bread.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness.

  • For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

  • If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.

  • Pairs wonderfully with angel hair pasta or mashed potatoes.

Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken—this ensures a golden crust.

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) for best melting.

  • Deglaze with a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.

  • Add mushrooms for an earthy twist.

Servings

4 servings (1 chicken breast with creamy sauce each)

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 480

  • Protein: 38g

  • Carbs: 7g

  • Fat: 33g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 3g

Benefits

  • Protein-rich from chicken for muscle repair and energy.

  • Leafy greens (spinach) provide iron and antioxidants.

  • Healthy fats from olive oil support heart health.

  • Comforting and satisfying while still balanced in nutrients.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but store sauce separately to prevent chicken from drying out. Reheat gently.

Q: What pasta works best?
A: Angel hair, penne, or fettuccine are perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat slowly with extra cream.

Q: How do I make it lighter?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and less cheese. Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

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