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Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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A rich yet balanced creamy Tuscan chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams), pounded slightly for even cooking
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml), homemade or low sodium
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). (5 minutes)
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. (2 minutes)
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside. (10 minutes)
  4. Lower heat to medium, add minced garlic to the same skillet, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. (2 minutes)
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and let the mixture bubble gently without boiling. (5 minutes)
  6. Stir in 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if desired. (3 minutes)
  7. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, nestle into the sauce, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer on low for 3-5 minutes to warm through and marry flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed. (5 minutes)
  8. Serve hot with plenty of creamy sauce spooned over. Pairs well with garlic mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or pasta.

Notes

Use good quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor. To prevent sauce curdling, keep sauce at a gentle simmer and add cream gradually while stirring. If sauce thickens too much, loosen with extra broth or cream. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken to maintain a good crust and juiciness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternative. Chicken thighs can be used but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, Italian chicken, spinach chicken, quick chicken recipe

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-recipe-easy-sun-dried-tomato-dinner-guide/