Print

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

creamy tuscan chicken - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy Tuscan chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich Parmesan sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (or frozen, well-drained)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each breast to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once shimmering, add chicken breasts and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if sauce is too thick.
  5. Add fresh spinach leaves to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and well-drained before adding.
  6. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and keep chicken juicy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Italian seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

Let the chicken rest a couple of minutes off the heat before slicing to keep juices locked in. If the sauce separates, whisk gently over low heat and add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to creamy perfection. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken to ensure proper browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken, spinach chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, easy chicken recipe, Parmesan chicken, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-tender-spinach-delight/