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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh baby spinach The main ingredients form the heart of this dish. Chicken breasts provide a nice, tender protein base. Olive oil gives a rich flavor and helps with cooking. Garlic adds a bold taste that shines through. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and a pop of color. Baby spinach adds a fresh and healthy touch. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the dish. Italian seasoning gives it a classic taste. Salt and pepper help balance all the flavors. - Fresh basil leaves Fresh basil leaves finish off the dish nicely. They add a burst of color and a hint of sweetness. Garnishing your creamy garlic Tuscan chicken with basil makes it look beautiful and appetizing. {{ingredient_image_2}} - First, season the chicken. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to cover both sides well. This adds great flavor to the chicken. - Next, sear the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and cover it to keep warm. - Now, sauté the garlic. Use the same skillet and lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. You want it to smell nice and be lightly golden. - Then, cook the cherry tomatoes. Add the halved tomatoes to the skillet. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and burst. This releases their juicy flavor. - After that, add the spinach. Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for about 2 minutes. You want it to wilt down nicely. - Next, incorporate the heavy cream. Pour it into the skillet, stirring gently. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. - Then, add the Parmesan cheese. Gradually stir in the grated cheese. Keep mixing until it melts and combines into a smooth sauce. - Finally, mix with the chicken. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer in the creamy sauce for 3-5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld. Enjoy the rich taste of your creamy garlic Tuscan chicken! - Tips for seasoning: Start with salt and pepper. Use Italian seasoning to boost flavor. Don't rush; let the spices soak in for a few minutes. - Achieving the right creaminess: Use heavy cream for a rich sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese slowly. This helps create a smooth texture. If it feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. - Doneness check for chicken: Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Look for a golden brown color on the outside for a nice finish. - Searing vs. baking: Searing gives the chicken a crisp outside. Baking can dry it out. I prefer searing for juicy results. It also adds flavor to the sauce. - Value of resting time: Let chicken rest after cooking. This keeps it moist and tender. A few minutes is all it needs to lock in juices. - Best sides to accompany the dish: Mashed potatoes are a perfect match. Pasta also works well, soaking up the creamy sauce. Steamed veggies balance the meal nicely. - Presentation tips for serving: Serve the chicken on a bright plate. Drizzle extra sauce over the top. Add fresh basil leaves for color and fresh flavor. This makes the dish look great and inviting. Pro Tips Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will create a beautiful golden crust and lock in juices for a moist chicken. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, tomatoes, and spinach will elevate the flavor of the dish. Opt for high-quality Parmesan cheese for a richer sauce. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. This adds flavor without the extra calories. Garnish with Flair: Don’t skip the fresh basil garnish. It not only adds color but also a fresh, aromatic finish that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. {{image_4}} Alternative proteins You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They add more flavor and stay juicy. For a lighter option, try turkey cutlets. Fish like salmon or shrimp also work well in this dish. Dairy-free options If you want a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adding spices To boost flavor, add red pepper flakes for heat. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth, too. Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a new twist. Incorporating vegetables You can add bell peppers or zucchini to the mix. They bring color and extra nutrients. Mushrooms also add a rich, earthy taste that pairs well with the sauce. Gluten-free adjustments To make this gluten-free, ensure your seasoning blends and broth are certified gluten-free. You can serve the dish over rice or gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. One-pan meal idea For a quick cleanup, try making this dish as a one-pan meal. Add your protein, veggies, and sauce all at once. Cook until everything is done and enjoy a simple yet delicious meal. To store leftovers, let the creamy garlic Tuscan chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep the flavors fresh. This dish will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. For storage containers, use glass or plastic that is safe for the fridge. These materials help keep your food fresh and tasty. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. This method warms the chicken evenly. Stir the sauce gently to avoid separation. You can also use the microwave. If you do, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to keep the sauce smooth. Yes, you can freeze creamy garlic Tuscan chicken! To do this, let it cool and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It will stay good for about three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This helps keep the texture right. Can I use chicken thighs instead? Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They add more flavor and stay juicy. Cook them the same way as chicken breasts. Is the recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it gently to keep the sauce creamy. How do I make it spicier? To add spice, try red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken. What can replace heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or coconut cream. These options will still give a creamy texture. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt mixed with broth. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, you can use dried herbs. Use about one-third of the amount. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can. Sear the chicken first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. How do I adapt this for a stovetop pressure cooker? Sear the chicken, then add all other ingredients to the pot. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Quick-release the pressure to finish. This recipe combines simple ingredients for a tasty dish. You learned how to prepare chicken, create a savory sauce, and serve it beautifully. Remember to follow the cooking tips for perfect results. You can easily modify this dish to fit your needs. Experiment with different proteins or spices to make it your own. With these ideas, you’ll impress yourself and others at your next meal. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious treat!

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken

A rich 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
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • leaves Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and nicely golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate; cover to keep warm.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the tomatoes begin to soften and burst, releasing their juices.
  • Stir in the fresh baby spinach and continue to cook until it is wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to soak in the rich creamy sauce. Let the dish simmer together for an additional 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and freshly cracked pepper if needed.
  • For a finishing touch, garnish your creamy garlic Tuscan chicken with fresh basil leaves right before serving.

Notes

Serve over mashed potatoes or pasta for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, spinach, Tuscan