Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe: A Decadent Main Course
Creamy Tuscan chicken is the epitome of comfort food, offering tender chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This dish is quick enough for busy weeknights yet fancy enough to serve at dinner parties. Its creamy texture and bold Italian-inspired flavors make it a hit with everyone who tries it.
This recipe became a go-to in my household after a memorable Italian vacation where we indulged in the freshest ingredients and rustic dishes. With this recipe, I aim to bring a little bit of Tuscany to your kitchen.
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One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Indulge in the rich flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken, where tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce, complemented by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delightful taste of Tuscany in every bite.
- 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs))
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped (optional, for garnish))
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 3–4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Vegetables:
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach to the sauce.
- Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
- Simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately, pairing with your choice of side dishes.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings
Yield: 4 chicken breasts
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Course
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 450
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
- Extra Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts for more texture and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for the heavy cream and Parmesan.
Perfect Pairings
Serve creamy Tuscan chicken with:
- A side of garlic butter pasta or mashed potatoes.
- Crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
- A fresh garden salad for balance.
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One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe: A Comforting Weeknight Delight
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and brown the chicken breasts on both sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the sauce and stir until the spinach is wilted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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