Nothing beats a creamy, flavorful, and comforting meal, and Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. With its rich Parmesan cream sauce, tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The velvety garlic Parmesan sauce is indulgent and comforting.
- Easy to Make: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Versatile: Pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or low-carb options.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan creates an irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
3. Combine and Serve
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the sauce.
- Serve hot with your preferred side dish.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and high-quality Parmesan make a noticeable difference.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth; if too thin, let it simmer longer.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
Delicious Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Extra Cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella on top and broil for a few minutes.
- Mushroom Lovers: Sauté mushrooms along with the garlic for added depth.
- Bacon Infusion: Crisp up some bacon and sprinkle it over the finished dish for a smoky touch.
What to Serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti soak up the creamy sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: A buttery base to complement the flavors.
- Rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter choice.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up every drop of the delicious sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore consistency.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach is a dish that brings bold flavors and comforting textures together in the best way possible. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this creamy, garlicky, and cheesy delight is bound to become a favorite. Try it out and let us know how you enjoy it!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach
Description
Indulge in a rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach, a dish featuring pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce, packed with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this one-pan meal is easy to make and ready in under 40 minutes. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
Instructions
Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce.
Combine and Simmer
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
Serve and Enjoy
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 797.43kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 49.71g77%
- Saturated Fat 24.53g123%
- Trans Fat 0.75g
- Cholesterol 303.13mg102%
- Sodium 1047.63mg44%
- Potassium 1399.6mg40%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.72g5%
- Dietary Fiber 1.62g7%
- Sugars 5.43g
- Protein 72.96g146%
- Vitamin A 463.18 IU
- Vitamin C 8.44 mg
- Calcium 312.38 mg
- Iron 2.92 mg
- Vitamin D 1.04 IU
- Vitamin E 3.77 IU
- Vitamin K 87.76 mcg
- Thiamin 0.35 mg
- Riboflavin 0.78 mg
- Niacin 27.95 mg
- Vitamin B6 2.39 mg
- Folate 66.56 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.9 mcg
- Phosphorus 803.19 mg
- Magnesium 119.25 mg
- Zinc 2.9 mg
* Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on available ingredients and serving sizes. Variations in ingredients and portion sizes may affect the actual values. Always consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific dietary advice.
Note
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
- Substitutions: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. Swap spinach with kale or arugula.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
