If you’re searching for a comforting and delicious dinner option, look no further than this Creamy Tuscan Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all inspired by the vibrant flavors of Tuscany. It’s the perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it comes together in just about 30 minutes. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, you’ll want to make this dish again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be on the table in no time.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of half and half and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Nutritious: Packed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish offers a great way to incorporate greens into your meal.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Shopping List
To prepare this mouthwatering Creamy Tuscan Chicken, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into long thin pieces
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 6 ounces spinach, chopped
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, for garnish
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following kitchen gear on hand:
- Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Cutting board: For chopping your ingredients effortlessly.
- Knife: A sharp chef’s knife will make the preparation a breeze.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring your ingredients.
- Spatula: Perfect for stirring and ensuring nothing sticks to the pan.
Method: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Tuscan Chicken:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the chopped spinach. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the half and half. Add the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until everything is combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and coat it in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well incorporated. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Make It Fit Your Plan
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences or ingredient availability:
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of half and half.
- Substitute chicken with turkey or a plant-based protein for a different spin.
- Swap out spinach for kale or another leafy green if desired.
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce.
Flavor Logic
The combination of flavors in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken is what sets it apart. Here’s why they work so well together:
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their concentrated sweetness adds depth to the dish.
- Spinach: Not only does it bring a vibrant color, but it also balances the richness of the cream.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances the creaminess and adds a savory element.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings the essence of Italy right to your plate.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is perfect for meal prepping as it stores well and reheats nicely:
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce on low heat, add the chicken, and warm through. If you want to freeze it, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop.
Reader Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it cooks through.
What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a side of crusty bread. You can also serve it over a bed of zoodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Can I make this dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the half and half with a non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can easily add more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic for a delicious twist.
What to Make After This
Once you’ve enjoyed this Creamy Tuscan Chicken, consider trying out these delightful recipes:
Final Bite
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser! The creamy sauce, the tender chicken, and the burst of flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach make it a dish worth celebrating. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe will surely impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in a delicious Italian-inspired meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into long thin pieces
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 6 ounces spinach chopped
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the chopped spinach. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the half and half. Add the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until everything is combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and coat it in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well incorporated. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of half and half.
- Substitute chicken with turkey or a plant-based protein for a different spin.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
