Creamy Tuscan Chicken With Spinach
Highlighted under: Inspired Inspiration
I love making Creamy Tuscan Chicken With Spinach because it's a delightful combination of flavors and textures that truly satisfies my cravings. The creamy sauce complements the tender chicken and vibrant spinach perfectly, creating a dish that's not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. On busy weeknights, this recipe comes together effortlessly in just a few steps, making it a go-to for dinner. The blend of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan elevates the dish to restaurant-quality with minimal effort.
When I first tried making Creamy Tuscan Chicken, I wanted to capture the rich flavors of traditional Italian cuisine. I experimented with various creams and cheeses until I found the perfect balance, using a mix of heavy cream and parmesan. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes brought a lovely sweetness that ties the dish together beautifully. I also discovered that adding fresh spinach not only enhances the nutrition but also gives the dish a pop of color and freshness.
One of my favorite tips for making this dish extra special is to let the chicken sear well before adding the sauce. This step locks in the juices and creates a golden crust that's full of flavor. The combination of garlic and herbs in the sauce simmers to perfection, making each bite profoundly satisfying. I often serve it over pasta or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce that comforts and delights
- Easy enough for weeknight meals yet impressive for guests
- Packed with healthy spinach for a nutritious boost
Choosing the Right Chicken
When making Creamy Tuscan Chicken, it's crucial to choose the right cut of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully because they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. For a juicier option, consider using chicken thighs, which are more forgiving due to their higher fat content. If using thighs, adjust the cooking time slightly, searing for about 7-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make sure to let the chicken rest after searing. This step allows the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness. When you slice into the chicken later, it will be tender and juicy. Trust me, a few extra minutes for resting is worth the wait!
Perfecting the Creamy Sauce
The sauce is the star of the show in this recipe. For a rich flavor, I recommend using heavy cream, but if you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even Greek yogurt—just add it at the end to avoid curdling. As the cream simmers, it thickens beautifully, and incorporating parmesan adds a delightful nuttiness that elevates the dish. Stir continuously until the sauce is glossy and coats the back of a spoon, usually around 3-5 minutes.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness that complements the creamy base. If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; their oil can enhance the sauce's richness. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can make a tasty substitute, adding a different but delightful twist to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is versatile in terms of serving methods. I love serving it over a bed of pasta. The sauce clings beautifully to al dente noodles, making for a satisfying dish. Alternatively, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the remaining sauce, or pair it with a simple salad for a lighter meal. You could even serve it on a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
For those who enjoy experimenting with flavors, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce while simmering for a depth of flavor. If you're looking to spice things up, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. You can also include other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor, ensuring they’re sautéed until tender before adding the cream.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to start making your Creamy Tuscan Chicken With Spinach:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go before starting the cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Creamy Tuscan Chicken With Spinach:
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese, cooking until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Spinach and Combine
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer together for about 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve your Creamy Tuscan Chicken immediately, garnished with additional parmesan if desired.
Pro Tips
- For an added twist, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or add mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for busy nights. You can marinate the chicken with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning a few hours before cooking, allowing the flavors to meld even further. Just be sure to bring the chicken back to room temperature before searing for even cooking.
The creamy sauce can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat before adding the spinach and chicken to prevent curdling. If the sauce thickens too much, simply whisk in a splash of additional cream or chicken broth.
Storing and Freezing
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating can be done in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce's creaminess. Stir gently to avoid any separation. If you find the sauce has thickened, add a little bit of cream or broth to loosen it up.
For long-term storage, Creamy Tuscan Chicken can be frozen. I recommend freezing it without the spinach to maintain its texture. The chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then simmer gently until heated through, adding fresh spinach at the end to wilt just before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your sauce isn’t thickening as expected, it may be due to cooking at too low of a temperature. Make sure your cream is simmering gently; if needed, increase the heat slightly. If you find yourself with a sauce that’s too thick, a simple fix is to whisk in a bit more cream or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
In case of overcooked chicken, consider slicing it thinly and adding it back into the sauce to infuse moisture. This will help rescue the chicken and still provide a deliciously creamy dish. Always keep an eye on your chicken while it cooks, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work beautifully and add even more flavor.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan for a dairy-free version.
→ How long does leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken With Spinach
I love making Creamy Tuscan Chicken With Spinach because it's a delightful combination of flavors and textures that truly satisfies my cravings. The creamy sauce complements the tender chicken and vibrant spinach perfectly, creating a dish that's not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. On busy weeknights, this recipe comes together effortlessly in just a few steps, making it a go-to for dinner. The blend of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan elevates the dish to restaurant-quality with minimal effort.
Created by: Nell Abernathy
Recipe Type: Inspired Inspiration
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How-To Steps
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese, cooking until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer together for about 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Extra Tips
- For an added twist, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or add mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 36g