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To create the Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken, you need the following ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients combine to deliver a rich and flavorful dish. Each element plays a key role in building layers of taste. The chicken provides a hearty base. The garlic and tomatoes add brightness, while the cream and cheese create a smooth sauce. Spinach gives a pop of color and nutrition. When selecting your ingredients, opt for fresh items. Fresh garlic enhances the dish's aroma. Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Good-quality Parmesan cheese elevates the sauce. These choices make a difference in the final taste. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This helps keep your cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You will love how simple it is to create this delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This step boosts their flavor. 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken. 3. Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden-brown crust. 4. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. 1. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. 2. Next, add halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release juices. 3. Then, toss in the roughly chopped spinach. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until it wilts. 1. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the veggies. 2. Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. 3. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). 4. Finally, taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To get the best sear on your chicken, heat your skillet well. Use medium-high heat and let the oil shimmer. Place the chicken gently in the skillet. Sear for 6-7 minutes on each side. This gives it a golden-brown crust. Burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Sauté it in butter for just one minute. Watch it closely. Once fragrant, you can add the tomatoes. For a creamy sauce, keep the heat low when adding cream. Stir often to mix it well. Add cheese last for the best texture. It should melt smoothly into the sauce. Pair this creamy chicken with pasta or rice. A fluffy bed of either looks great. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds a gourmet touch. Serve on a large plate to show off the sauce. Use a large spoon to drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. These can boost the flavor of the dish. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Just a pinch gives a nice kick. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. These tips will make your Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken even better! Pro Tips Perfect Searing: Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking, as this helps achieve a nice sear and reduces cooking time. Garlic Perfection: Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing; it should be fragrant and golden, not browned, to avoid bitterness. Cheese Choice: For a richer flavor, consider using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated to enhance the creaminess of the sauce. Herb Freshness: Adding fresh basil or other herbs at the end of cooking preserves their vibrant flavor and color in the dish. {{image_4}} You can change up the cheese in this recipe. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or feta for a salty kick. You can even mix in some goat cheese for a rich flavor. If chicken isn't your thing, swap it with shrimp or scallops. You might also use mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie option. For a keto-friendly meal, replace heavy cream with coconut cream. This keeps it rich and low in carbs. If you want a gluten-free dish, make sure to check your seasonings. Some may contain gluten. Use gluten-free pasta or rice to serve it on. You can give this dish an Italian twist by adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. For a Mediterranean vibe, try olives or artichokes. Squeeze some lemon juice on top for extra brightness. This adds a fresh taste that balances the creaminess. To store leftovers, place chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. This way, it stays fresh. You can enjoy it for up to three days. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. For thawing, move the chicken to the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and tasty. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. Got leftover chicken? Shred it for salads or wraps. It adds great flavor to soups. If you have extra sauce, use it with pasta or rice. You can create a creamy dip for bread. The options are endless! How long does Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken last in the fridge? Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe to eat. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing ensures even cooking and better flavor. What side dishes pair well with this chicken? This dish goes great with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Garlic bread also makes a tasty side. Try pairing it with roasted vegetables for a healthy option. Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving to keep the sauce creamy. How do I thicken the sauce? To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer. This reduces the liquid and makes it thicker. You can also add a bit more Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter option. For a thicker sauce, try Greek yogurt or sour cream. These alternatives still provide a rich taste. Is there a non-dairy alternative available for this recipe? Yes, you can use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both options give a creamy texture without dairy. They also add a unique flavor to the dish. This post covered a tasty Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken recipe. You learned about ingredients, steps, and tips for success. I shared ideas for variations and how to store leftovers. With simple swaps, you can make this dish your own. In the end, cooking should be fun. Enjoy trying new flavors and techniques. Savor each bite and impress your loved ones. This dish will surely become a favorite!

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with garlic, spinach, and tomatoes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for approximately 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
  • Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring them into the remaining oil and butter. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
  • Next, add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and reduced in volume.
  • Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine it with the sautéed vegetables.
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted, creating a luscious and creamy sauce that coats the vegetables beautifully.
  • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, positioning them in the sauce. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken, allowing it to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (75°C).
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper to suit your palate.

Notes

Serve over pasta or rice and garnish with fresh basil.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, garlic, Tuscan