Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful skillet dish featuring seared chicken breasts in a luscious cream sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese. This Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for an elegant yet simple weeknight dinner, boasting tender chicken and a creamy, savory sauce that complements the wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (use nutritional yeast as a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to infuse the meat with herbaceous and savory flavors.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are partially cooked through. Remove and set the chicken aside on a plate.
- Cook the onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, building the base of the sauce.
- Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant, releasing their rich flavors into the skillet.
- Add spinach: Toss in the baby spinach and sauté for another minute until it just begins to wilt, adding freshness and a vibrant green color to the sauce.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated parmesan cheese. Stir to combine thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken and meld together.
- Finish cooking the chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Simmer together for about 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the flavors are well integrated.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and parmesan with alternatives like coconut cream and 1 to 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast to retain a cheesy flavor.
- If chicken breasts are very large or thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness or butterflying to ensure even and quicker cooking when searing.
- Use quality sun-dried tomatoes like the recommended Alessi brand for the best flavor balance in the sauce.
- The recipe pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
