Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh baby spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste The main ingredients for Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken focus on simple yet bold flavors. Chicken breasts serve as a protein base. Garlic adds a lovely punch. Extra virgin olive oil helps in cooking, bringing out the flavors. Fresh tomatoes and spinach provide freshness and color. Heavy cream binds everything together, creating a rich sauce that embraces the chicken. - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Optional ingredients can elevate the dish. Red pepper flakes add heat if you like spice. Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant touch, enhancing the dish’s aroma. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy finish, making each bite even more indulgent. These extras allow you to personalize your meal, catering to your taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, get your chicken breasts ready. I like to season both sides well. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Spread the seasoning evenly. This helps the chicken taste great all over. If you miss spots, the flavor won’t be as strong. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. This step locks in the juice. When done, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. Now, let’s sauté the garlic and tomatoes. Keep the heat on medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds. It should smell amazing! Then, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them soft and juicy. Now, it’s time to make the cream sauce. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. This keeps it smooth. Let it simmer for a few minutes. You want the sauce to thicken a bit. If you like heat, add in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes now. Next, add 1 cup of fresh baby spinach. Stir gently until it wilts down. This takes about 2 minutes. The green adds color and nutrition. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Nestle the chicken in the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over it. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This is where the flavors mix and create magic! - Ensuring chicken is fully cooked: Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This keeps your dish safe and ensures juicy chicken. Use a meat thermometer for best results. - How to prevent burning garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it. Sauté garlic on medium heat for just 30 seconds. Once you notice its strong aroma, add your tomatoes right away. This keeps the garlic golden and flavorful instead of bitter. - Best practices for sauce consistency: To thicken your sauce, let it simmer for a few minutes after adding the cream. Stir often to avoid lumps. If you want it thicker, add a bit more cream or let it cook longer. - Adjusting flavors to taste: Taste your sauce as you cook. If it needs more flavor, add salt, pepper, or even a dash of lemon juice. A little red pepper can give a nice kick. Always adjust to your liking! Pro Tips Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Ensure your chicken is well-seasoned on both sides before cooking to enhance flavor and tenderness. Don’t Rush the Searing: Allow the chicken to develop a nice golden crust by not moving it around in the skillet too much while searing. Thicken Your Sauce: For a creamier sauce, let the mixture simmer a bit longer after adding the heavy cream until it reaches your desired thickness. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh basil and quality Parmesan cheese to elevate the dish's taste and presentation significantly. {{image_4}} You can swap heavy cream for alternatives. Try using Greek yogurt or coconut milk. Both options add creaminess without the extra fat. Adding different veggies can make this dish exciting. Consider bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. They bring fresh flavors and colors to the plate. Herbs and spices can elevate this dish. Fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary can offer new tastes. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Experimenting with cheese types can create unique flavors. Try using feta, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar. Each type will change the dish's profile in a fun way. To store leftovers, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the chicken cools down before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. You can safely store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the chicken, gently warm it in a skillet. Heat on low to keep it moist. Stir in a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much. You can also use a microwave, but cover it to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, checking often. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! You can serve this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Mashed Potatoes: Their creaminess pairs well with the sauce. - Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious cream sauce. - Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and balance. - Pasta: A side of pasta can help stretch the meal further. - Rice: Fluffy rice absorbs the sauce nicely. Each side adds a new flavor and texture. Choose what you enjoy most! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prep: - Cook the Chicken: You can sear the chicken early in the day. Just store it in the fridge. - Make the Sauce: Prepare the creamy sauce and store it separately. Keep it covered. - Combine Later: When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and sauce together. This keeps the flavors fresh. Reheating is quick and easy. Just use medium heat in a skillet until it's hot. Yes, you can freeze this dish. Follow these guidelines: - Freeze Separately: Store the chicken and sauce in separate containers. - Use Airtight Containers: This helps prevent freezer burn. - Thawing: To thaw, place in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, reheat gently in a skillet. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy. Enjoy your meal! This recipe for Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken showcases the key ingredients, steps, and tips. You learned how to prepare and cook chicken perfectly with a rich cream sauce. Remember to adjust flavors to your liking and try different herbs. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This dish is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for any meal. Enjoy exploring variations that fit your taste, and happy cooking!$

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Delight

A rich and creamy chicken dish infused with garlic, tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for a delightful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves
for serving Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Season both sides of the chicken breasts liberally with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in red pepper flakes if desired.
Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and let simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For a stunning presentation, serve atop mashed potatoes or with garlic bread.

Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, garlic, Tuscan