Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Skillet
When it comes to comfort food that impresses, Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Skillet stands out as a culinary delight. Combining tender, seared chicken with a luscious cream sauce enriched by garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, this dish not only satisfies but also brings a taste of Italy to your table. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to be a winner.
Why make this recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up this delightful dish. Firstly, the combination of flavors in the creamy sauce is irresistible – it’s rich, savory, and has a hint of tang from the sun-dried tomatoes. Secondly, the recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Additionally, the vibrant colors from the spinach and tomatoes create an appetizing presentation that’s perfect for impressing guests. With each bite, you’ll appreciate the depth of flavors and the delightful creaminess that lingers on your palate.
How to make Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Skillet
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
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Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Enjoy your creamy Tuscan garlic chicken over pasta or rice!
How to serve Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Skillet
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully with a side of pasta, giving you a delicious way to soak up the creamy sauce. Alternatively, serving it over rice can make for a hearty meal. You can also garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an added touch of freshness. A side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad complements the richness of the chicken perfectly.
How to store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat, as the cream can separate if cooked at too high a temperature.
Tips to make
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian herbs and olive oil for a couple of hours before cooking.
- Adjust the richness of the sauce by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- If you want added texture, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms to the dish.
- If available, use homemade chicken broth for a fresher, more robust flavor.
Variation
For a healthier twist, substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream. You can also use boneless skinless thighs for a juicier alternative. To add a spicy kick, consider incorporating red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a completely different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the spinach to remove excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, consider using fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1.5 lbs
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Cooking Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while scraping up the browned bits from the pan.
- Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combining Ingredients
- Stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
