Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and freshly ground pepper - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The main ingredients create a solid base for the dish. The chicken breasts are lean and cook up tender. Salt and pepper enhance their natural flavor. Olive oil adds richness and helps in browning the chicken. Garlic brings a punch of flavor; the more you mince, the better it infuses into the dish. The creamy sauce ingredients transform the dish into a comforting meal. Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture. Chicken broth adds depth. Sun-dried tomatoes burst with flavor, while spinach brings freshness and color. The Italian seasoning blend ties it all together. Parmesan cheese thickens the sauce and adds a salty note. Fresh basil leaves finish the dish with a lovely aroma. Using these ingredients, you can create a dish that feels fancy yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy the cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Use enough to bring out the chicken's flavor. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. Now, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as it can taste bitter. Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk them together until smooth. Increase the heat slightly and let it simmer gently. After a minute, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will make the sauce creamy and rich. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts. The spinach should stay bright green. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over it to coat well. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve your chicken hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. - For juicy chicken, start with room temperature breasts. This helps them cook evenly. - Season both sides well with salt and pepper. This boosts the chicken's flavor. - Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan. It holds heat well and gives nice browning. - Add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a bright taste. - To adjust sauce thickness, let it simmer longer. A quick addition of cornstarch can help too. - For a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives it a nice warmth. - Serve with pasta or rice to soak up the sauce. It makes for a hearty meal. - For a fresh touch, add a side salad with a light vinaigrette. - Plate the chicken over the carbs and drizzle sauce on top. Add extra basil and Parmesan for a great look. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for optimal safety and juiciness. Garlic Flavor Boost: For a deeper garlic flavor, add the minced garlic to the oil before cooking the chicken. This infuses the oil and enhances the overall dish. Custom Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for creaminess. For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk. Fresh Spinach Substitute: If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the sauce. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish. Shrimp works well too. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. Both will soak up the creamy sauce nicely. For veggies, try bell peppers or zucchini. They add color and crunch. You can also toss in some mushrooms for extra flavor. Want to spice things up? Try adding some red pepper flakes. They give a kick to the sauce. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth. Another great idea is to add a splash of white wine. This enhances the sauce's flavor. Just let it simmer to cook off the alcohol. If you need a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta or rice. This makes it safe for those with gluten allergies. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese, giving a cheesy flavor without dairy. To keep your creamy garlic Tuscan chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge right away. This dish lasts for about 3 to 4 days. Always let it cool down before sealing. This helps prevent condensation inside the container. When you are ready to reheat, use a skillet over low heat. This keeps the chicken moist. Stir the sauce gently to keep it creamy. You can also microwave it, but do so in short bursts. Check the dish often to avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for about 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it slowly on the stove for the best texture. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, thaw them first. This helps them cook evenly. You can thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the microwave's defrost setting. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven doneness, which is not safe. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using half-and-half. You can also blend 1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This gives a similar texture, though it may not be as thick. Another option is coconut cream for a dairy-free approach. This recipe is not spicy. It uses garlic and Italian seasoning, which add flavor without heat. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with a small amount, and adjust to your taste. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook everything and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy. A white wine pairs best with this dish. Look for a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines enhance the rich flavors of the creamy sauce. If you prefer red, try a light Pinot Noir. Enjoy your meal with a lovely glass! This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken. We covered main ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for great flavor. I also explored variations to fit your needs and provided storage information for leftovers. With this guide, you can easily make a meal your family will love. Try this dish and enjoy the blend of flavors. Cooking can be fun and rewarding!$

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Delight

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Carefully pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using a whisk to combine them until smooth. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring well to incorporate all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts completely and creates a luxuriously creamy sauce.
Toss the fresh spinach into the sauce and continue to cook for about 1-2 minutes, or just until the spinach has wilted.
Return the previously cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it to coat well. Allow it to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the chicken hot, beautifully garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For an elegant display, serve over pasta or rice and garnish with extra Parmesan and basil.

Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, spinach, Tuscan