Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy garlic sauce, sun-kissed cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a touch of Parmesan. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

  1. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  5. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Return chicken to skillet: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet and let it simmer in the creamy sauce for a few minutes, until fully cooked through.
  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Variations

  • Add mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms along with the garlic and tomatoes for extra flavor.
  • Lighter version: Use half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative to reduce the richness.
  • Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with a hearty protein like tofu or tempeh, and add more vegetables.
  • Cheese variety: Substitute the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
    Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking for best results.
  2. What can I serve this with?
    Serve this creamy Tuscan chicken with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and vegetables ahead of time and reheat before serving.
  4. Can I add more vegetables?
    Yes, feel free to add more veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or artichokes for extra flavor and texture.
  5. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
    Yes, mozzarella or goat cheese can be used in place of Parmesan for a different flavor.
  6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
    Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan to make it dairy-free.
  7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
    The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and no longer be pink in the center.
  8. How can I thicken the sauce?
    If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it quickly.
  9. Can I make this dish in advance?
    You can cook the chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to prepare the creamy sauce and combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste.
  10. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    This dish freezes well! Just store the leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a flavorful and rich dish that’s quick and easy to make, perfect for any weeknight meal. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bright vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

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Creamy Tuscan Chicken


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a luscious, creamy sauce with garlic, spinach, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect, comforting meal that’s quick to prepare.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  • Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides.
  • Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes start to soften.
  • Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  • Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese, oregano, and thyme.
  • Return chicken to skillet and simmer for a few minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  • Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

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