Low Carb Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Low Carb Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner without the carbs. It features tender chicken cooked in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic, bringing a touch of Italy to your table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the sauce.
- Substitute the cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete low-carb meal.
Storage
Store leftover Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid breaking the sauce. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and will add more richness to the dish. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is sun-dried tomato paste a good substitute?
You can use sun-dried tomato paste, but use a smaller amount since it is more concentrated in flavor. Adjust to taste and add a little water or cream to balance the sauce consistency.
PrintLow Carb Tuscan Chicken Recipe
This Low Carb Tuscan Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and simmered in a creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and garlic. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that fits perfectly into a low carbohydrate diet while delivering rich Italian-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy Tuscan sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the chicken. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Add the spinach and simmer: Stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt gently in the sauce over low heat for about 2-3 minutes. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over the chicken, and let everything simmer together for another 3-5 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Serve the Tuscan chicken hot, spooning the creamy sauce generously over each piece. This dish pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a low-carb meal.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture; frozen spinach can be used but may alter the sauce consistency.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add richer flavor; drain well before chopping.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end, especially if the sun-dried tomatoes are salty.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, respectively.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Keywords: Low carb, Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, Italian recipe, healthy dinner
