Transform your dinner routine with our Easy 30-Minute Tuscan Chicken, featuring a harmonious blend of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luxurious cream sauce. It’s a quick, one-skillet wonder that elevates your meal beyond the everyday.
This creamy Tuscan chicken combines seared chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. It will become one of your favorite dish as it is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes. Also, it’s versatile, pairing well with pasta or salad, and suits any palate.
A perfect recipe for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, offering a taste of Italian cuisine without the need for complex cooking techniques.
Let’s dive in.
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Chicken Breasts: Main ingredient. Substitute with turkey breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs if unavailable.
- Italian Seasoning: Essential for flavor. Make your own by mixing dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme if needed.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Adds tangy flavor. Roasted red peppers are a good alternative.
- Baby Spinach: Brings freshness and color. Kale can be used as a substitute for a heartier texture.
- Whipping Cream: Creates a rich sauce. Use full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Grated Parmesan: Enhances sauce complexity. Asiago or Pecorino Romano can be used as alternatives.
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
To start, wash and dry the meat well, then season it generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
After that, take a large skillet and pour in 1 teaspoon of olive oil, then fry the meat well on both sides until it is nicely browned.
While the meat is browning, thoroughly drain the tomatoes of oil and cut them into strips as shown in the picture below, then add them over the chicken once it has browned.
After that, pour in the whipping cream, mix well, and cover the meat with the sauce on all sides. Cover with a lid and let it cook on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Add the washed and well-dried spinach and place it over the sauce, mix carefully, and cook for about 5 more minutes with the spinach.
Then, add the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat until the Parmesan is melted.
Serve immediately while hot, along with a slice of bread to enjoy the fine and delicate taste of the sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta: For a hearty and comforting meal, serve the creamy Tuscan chicken over a bed of al dente pasta. Choose from traditional options like fettuccine or spaghetti to soak up the rich sauce, or opt for a gluten-free alternative such as zucchini noodles for a lighter touch. This combination transforms the dish into a Tuscan chicken pasta delight, perfect for those craving Italian flavors.
- With Crusty Bread: There’s nothing quite like fresh, crusty bread to accompany this dish. Use it to mop up the creamy sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste. A warm, garlic-infused ciabatta or a rustic sourdough can add an extra layer of texture and flavor, turning a simple meal into a feast.
- Atop Rice or Grains: For a wholesome and filling option, serve the Tuscan garlic chicken over a fluffy bed of rice or grains such as quinoa or farro. This pairing not only complements the creaminess of the sauce but also makes for a nutritionally balanced meal, ideal for those seeking a healthy Tuscan chicken option.
- Alongside Vegetables: To keep the meal light yet satisfying, pair the Tuscan chicken with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables. Think Mediterranean favorites like asparagus, bell peppers, or artichokes, which can be seasoned with a hint of garlic and olive oil for an added flavor boost. This approach ensures a vibrant and nutritious meal, perfect for a healthy Tuscan chicken dinner.
- In a Salad: For a refreshing twist, slice the Tuscan chicken and serve it atop a generous green salad. Mix baby greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, drizzling over some of the creamy sauce as a dressing. This inventive serving suggestion offers a deconstructed take on Tuscan chicken with spinach, marrying the indulgence of creamy sauce with the crisp freshness of the salad.
😻 Storage
Refrigeration:
Allow the Tuscan chicken to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. After that, transfer the chicken and any sauce into an airtight container. This helps to preserve the flavors and prevent the sauce from absorbing any odors from the fridge. By doing that, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
If you plan to freeze the dish, it’s best to do so in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure all air is expelled from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Tuscan chicken will maintain its best quality for about 2-3 months, but it will remain safe beyond that time frame.
Quick Note: While the chicken freezes well, the cream-based sauce may separate or become grainy once thawed. If you’re preparing the dish specifically for freezing, consider freezing the seared chicken breasts separately and making the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Thawing and Reheating:
- Thawing: For the best results, thaw your Creamy Tuscan Chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature as it can lead to bacterial growth.
- Reheating: To reheat, transfer the chicken and sauce into a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce has separated or thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, consider adding a splash of water or chicken broth to help it regain its creamy consistency. Warm the dish slowly, stirring gently, until it is heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent the sauce from separating. If using a microwave, cover the dish and use a low to medium setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Additional Considerations:
- Sauce Separation: If the cream-based sauce separates during thawing, gently reheating and stirring can often bring it back together. Adding a small amount of fresh cream while reheating can also help restore its smooth texture.
- Safety First: Always check the dish for any signs of spoilage before consuming, especially if it has been stored for a while. Discard any food that smells off or looks discolored.
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before searing. This enhances the dish’s flavor.
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet for a golden exterior, adding depth to the chicken and sauce.
- Deglaze the pan with broth or wine to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce gently after adding whipping cream and other ingredients to thicken it without boiling.
- Add baby spinach at the end to keep it vibrant and just wilted.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin with chicken broth or pasta water. If it is too thin, simmer longer, or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
- Rest the chicken before slicing to ensure it remains moist.
- Taste and adjust the sauce’s seasonings, if necessary, with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
📋 Recipe Card:
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1 lb Chicken Breast
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 oz Sun-dried Tomatoes
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 4 oz Spinach
- ¼ cup Parmesan
Instructions
- Wash and dry the meat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.Salt, Black Pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning, 1 lb Chicken Breast
- In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Fry the meat on both sides until browned.1 teaspoon Olive Oil, 1 lb Chicken Breast
- Drain and slice sun-dried tomatoes. Add to the skillet once the meat is browned.2 oz Sun-dried Tomatoes
- Pour in whipping cream, covering the meat with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes.1 cup whipping cream
- Add washed and dried spinach. Stir gently and cook for 5 more minutes.4 oz Spinach
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Cook on low until melted, about 2-3 minutes.¼ cup Parmesan
- Serve hot with a slice of bread to enjoy the sauce.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- For large chicken breasts, slice them horizontally for even, quick cooking. Smaller breasts might need extra time to reach 165°F.
- Use whipping cream for richness or half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
- Drain sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil before use. The reserved oil can be used for searing the chicken.
- When serving with pasta, save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can enhance flavor if added at the end.
- Nutritional yeast can replace grated Parmesan for a dairy-free cheesy flavor.
- A cast iron skillet offers good heat retention for searing, but non-stick is easier for managing sauces.
- Pair with Chardonnay for creaminess or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness.
Nutrition Estimates
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