Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 2 cups fresh spinach - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil shimmers, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Let it simmer gently to thicken. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Stir to mix the flavors. Gradually add the fresh spinach, stirring it into the sauce. Keep stirring until the spinach wilts. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cook for an extra 3-5 minutes to let the chicken absorb flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Ensuring chicken is cooked through Cook chicken until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it's safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. - Importance of not burning the garlic Sauté garlic for only about one minute. Garlic burns fast and tastes bitter when overcooked. Stir it constantly to keep it fragrant. - How to achieve a creamy sauce consistency Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently. This helps thicken the sauce. Stir often for a smooth blend with no lumps. - Best side dishes to serve with Serve this dish over fluffy rice or with crusty garlic bread. These sides soak up the creamy sauce well. - Garnishing techniques Add fresh basil leaves on top for color and aroma. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan also gives a nice touch. - Enhancing flavors with optional cheese Grated Parmesan cheese boosts richness. Add it just before serving for the best flavor. This extra step makes the dish feel gourmet. You can switch up proteins in this dish. Shrimp or tofu works well too. Shrimp adds a nice seafood twist, while tofu keeps it plant-based. You can also try different greens. Kale or arugula gives a fresh bite. They cook down nicely in the sauce. For a lighter option, swap heavy cream for a mix of Greek yogurt and milk. This change still gives you creaminess but cuts down on fat. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Each of these swaps makes the dish unique while keeping it tasty. Want to add some heat? Try red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper. A little goes a long way, so start small. You can also toss in mushrooms or onions. Sautéing them with garlic adds a rich depth of flavor. They blend well with the creamy sauce. Fresh herbs can brighten the dish too. Basil, parsley, or oregano gives a burst of freshness. Add them at the end to keep their vibrant taste. Each of these enhancements can change the dish while keeping it simple and delicious. Pro Tips Rest Your Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. Customize the Cream: For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or use half-and-half for a creamy yet reduced-fat option. Fresh Herbs Matter: Always use fresh basil for garnishing if possible, as it enhances the flavor and presentation of the dish significantly. Perfect Pairings: Serve this dish with garlic bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious creamy sauce for a complete and satisfying meal. {{image_4}} To store leftovers, let the creamy garlic Tuscan chicken cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and prevents it from drying out. Leftovers last up to three days in the fridge. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When it’s time to reheat, use a skillet over low heat. This helps warm the chicken without cooking it further. Add a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess. Stir gently as it heats up. Avoid using high heat, as this can make the sauce separate. Enjoy your delicious meal again! To make Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken gluten-free, choose gluten-free options for key ingredients. Here are some tips: - Use olive oil and fresh ingredients, as they are naturally gluten-free. - Check the label on sun-dried tomatoes to ensure no gluten is added. - Replace any pasta or bread served alongside with gluten-free versions. - Use gluten-free flour to thicken sauces if needed. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. For storage and reheating: - Cool the chicken to room temperature before storing. - Place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. - To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. - Add a splash of cream to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. For a complete meal, consider these side dish suggestions: - Fluffy rice or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. - Crusty garlic bread for a crunchy contrast. - A fresh salad with veggies to add brightness. - Roasted vegetables for a nutritious side. This blog post detailed how to make Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken. We covered main ingredients, like chicken and heavy cream, and optional ones, like Parmesan cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions to cook the chicken and make the sauce. We explored tips for cooking, presentation, and variations. In closing, enjoy customizing this dish with your favorite flavors. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken

A rich and flavorful chicken dish with creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

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 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and fresh ground pepper
to garnish fresh basil leaves
to taste grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the heavy cream while stirring to combine it with the sautéed garlic. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together.
Gradually add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring it into the creamy sauce until it wilts.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked pepper. If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving.
Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves just before serving.

Notes

Serve with rice or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, spinach, Tuscan