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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Large skillet - Tongs - Measuring cups - Measuring spoons - Wooden spoon or spatula - Cutting board - Knife - For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. - You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. - Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. - Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a twist. - Try using feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangy flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab your chicken breasts. Season them well on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This mix brings out the best flavors. Use enough seasoning so every bite is tasty. Set the chicken aside while you prepare your skillet. Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Make sure the oil is hot, but not smoking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts carefully in the skillet. Sear each side for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want a nice golden brown color. This step seals in the juices. Once done, take the chicken out and place it on a plate. Now, it’s time to make the creamy sauce. In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium-low. Add four minced garlic cloves and sauté them for about one minute. Stir often to avoid burning. When the garlic smells great, slowly pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir as you add it to mix with the garlic. Let this simmer gently. Next, stir in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and one cup of fresh spinach leaves. Cook for about three to four minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and the spinach to wilt. After that, add in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is creamy and well mixed. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if needed. Finally, return your seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Make sure they are coated in the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for two to three more minutes. This will warm everything and help the flavors blend. You are now ready to serve! To get the best sear on your chicken, follow these simple steps: - Use a hot skillet: Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken. This helps to lock in the moisture. - Don't overcrowd the pan: If you add too much chicken, it will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed. - Let it cook: Avoid flipping the chicken too soon. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes to form that golden crust. To make your sauce truly creamy, keep these tips in mind: - Use heavy cream: It has a rich texture that helps create a velvety sauce. - Stir continuously: As you add the cream to the garlic, stir non-stop. This blends the flavors perfectly. - Add cheese slowly: Incorporate the grated Parmesan a little at a time for a smooth finish. Pair your Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken with these tasty options: - Garlic bread: Warm and crusty, it’s perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. - Fresh salad: A light salad provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy chicken. - Wine: A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, complements the dish beautifully. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and tomatoes will enhance the flavor profile of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to keep it juicy and tender. Customize the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to achieve your desired level of creaminess in the sauce. Pair with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, pasta, or a crisp salad to create a well-rounded meal. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast. Just sauté it until it turns pink, about 3-4 minutes. Tofu needs a little more care. Press it to remove water, then cube and sauté until golden. Both options keep the dish tasty and fun. Feel free to mix in different veggies. Try bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful twist. Mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor. You can also toss in broccoli or asparagus. They cook well and add crunch. Always remember to adjust the cooking time based on the veggies you pick. You can lighten up this dish easily. Use chicken breast but swap heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk. This keeps it creamy without the calories. For cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. This way, you enjoy great flavor while sticking to your health goals. To keep your Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it to room temperature first. Store it in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. Always label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it’s been stored. When you’re ready to eat the leftover chicken, take it out of the fridge. You can reheat it on the stove for the best flavor. Heat a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until it’s warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, checking often. This helps avoid overcooking. Freezing is a great way to save this dish for later. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags, squeezing out the air. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above. This way, you can enjoy your creamy chicken at a later date! You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are my favorites: - Warm garlic bread - Steamed rice or risotto - Pasta, like fettuccine or spaghetti - Fresh salad with mixed greens Each option pairs well with the creamy sauce and adds a nice touch. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. Cook the chicken and make the sauce. Then, store them in the fridge. When ready, reheat everything together. This will save you time on busy days. Check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white and juices should run clear. If it is still pink, cook longer. You now have a clear guide on making Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken. We covered ingredients, tools, and optional swaps. I shared easy steps for preparing chicken and making a creamy sauce. I also shared tips for perfect searing and serving ideas. You can adapt the recipe for different proteins or vegetables and learn how to store leftovers. Trust these techniques to create a delicious meal every time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish infused with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear each breast for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they achieve a golden brown color and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant, ensuring to stir frequently to prevent burning.
  • Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Cook the mixture for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften slightly and the spinach wilts beautifully.
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and continue to stir until the sauce becomes creamy and well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated in the luscious creamy sauce. Allow them to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and absorb the flavors.
  • Plate the chicken breasts elegantly, with a generous amount of the creamy sauce spooned over each piece.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with garlic bread or pasta.
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, Italian, Tuscan