This Easy Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a true comfort food! Tender chicken swims in a rich sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. It’s super tasty!
What’s great is how quick it comes together. You just need one pan and in no time, you have a meal that feels fancy but is actually easy to make. I love serving it over pasta!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too! They add extra flavor and remain juicy.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a punch of flavor! If you can’t find them, you could use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different taste. Just make sure to sauté them a bit longer.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy richness. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version, though the flavor will change a bit.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is excellent for adding color and nutrients. If you only have frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice depth of flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Nutritional yeast is another option for a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking the chicken perfectly is a key step for this dish. Here are some tips to help you get tender, juicy chicken every time:
- Bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking, about 15 minutes out of the fridge. This helps it cook evenly.
- Make sure your skillet is heated well before adding the chicken. This gives a nice sear and locks in juices.
- Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes per side. Using a meat thermometer? Aim for 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
How to Make Easy Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor to the chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and translucent. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and give everything a good stir. This adds a bright, tangy flavor to the sauce!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the Italian seasoning, stir well, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You want the sauce to be warm and slightly bubbling.
6. Stir in Spinach and Cheese:
Next, add the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook until the spinach has wilted and the sauce has slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Combine Chicken with the Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of that creamy sauce and spinach over the chicken. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes to meld all those delicious flavors together.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a nice pop of color! Serve it immediately, and it’s fantastic over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Tuscan garlic chicken! It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to fully thaw them first. The best way is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for faster thawing. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream for a Lighter Option?
Absolutely! If you want to lighten up the dish, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Just note that the sauce may not be as thick and creamy. If using milk, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, let them cool, and then store them separately in the fridge. Reheat together on the stove just before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully!
