Creamy Tuscan Chicken
A quick and easy creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting recipe balances rich flavors with simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil preferred)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine with garlic, letting flavor infuse the oil for 2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle dried Italian herbs. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let thicken slightly for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Cover with a lid or plate and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir to mix with the sauce.
- Return cooked chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and warm together for 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with sauce spooned over the chicken, optionally over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. Pat chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear. Add cream on low heat to prevent curdling. Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor or rehydrate dry-packed ones. Cover spinach briefly to wilt without overcooking. Stir Parmesan in off heat or low heat to avoid clumping. Season gradually as sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan add saltiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan, weeknight meal