Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a rich and creamy dish that brings together tender chicken, garlicky flavors, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s a perfect meal for a comforting dinner that feels both elegant and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer everything together for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Serve the Tuscan Garlic Chicken warm, spooning extra sauce over the chicken with each serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make a wonderful garnish and add bright flavor.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage
Store leftover Tuscan Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
Is sun-dried tomatoes necessary for the dish?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy depth to the sauce, but you can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes or omit them for a simpler version.
PrintCreamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a rich and creamy skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and fresh spinach. It’s a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for a hearty dinner with an Italian-inspired twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to release their flavor.
- Add cream and spinach: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and add the fresh spinach. Simmer gently until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat evenly. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to reheat.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates, spoon the creamy Tuscan sauce over the top, and optionally garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with your choice of side, such as pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy milk alternative, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can use frozen spinach if fresh is not available; just be sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding.
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Keywords: Tuscan garlic chicken, creamy chicken recipe, sun-dried tomato chicken, spinach chicken skillet, Italian chicken dinner
