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!