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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish When I make Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken, I always start with the main ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star of the dish. They should be boneless and skinless for a tender bite. The heavy cream creates a rich sauce. Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes it even creamier and tastier. Next, I focus on seasonings. Extra-virgin olive oil is my go-to for cooking. It adds flavor and helps cook the chicken well. Garlic gives a wonderful aroma and taste. I use four cloves, finely minced, to ensure every bite bursts with flavor. The dried Italian seasoning brings in herbs and spices, making the dish feel like a trip to Italy. Don’t forget the vegetables! Cherry tomatoes add a sweet touch and bright color. Fresh spinach leaves give a nice pop of green and nutrients. Finally, fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnishing. They add a lovely aroma and make the dish look beautiful. With these ingredients, you’re on your way to a delicious meal. Each element plays a key role in making Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken a favorite in any kitchen. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Pour in 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but does not smoke. While the oil heats, take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Make sure to cover the chicken well. Once the oil is ready, gently place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C. If done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat a bit. Add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring all the time. You want it fragrant and golden, but not burnt. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally until they soften and burst. Add 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves next. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they wilt. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Increase the heat to get a gentle simmer. Stir continuously to keep the cream from scorching. Gradually add in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well until the cheese melts, creating a rich sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet. Nestle it in the sauce. Spoon the creamy mixture over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend perfectly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken! To keep your sauce smooth, watch the heat. A gentle simmer works best. If you see it bubbling too hard, lower the heat. Stir often to stop the cream from scorching. If your sauce is too thick, add more cream or a bit of broth. This helps adjust the consistency to your liking. To keep the chicken juicy, don’t rush the cooking. Sear each side for about 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. To cook evenly, let the chicken rest before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside. For serving, place the chicken on a warm plate. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top. This creates a beautiful and inviting look. Add more fresh basil on top for color. Pair your dish with garlic bread and a crisp salad. This adds balance and makes your meal feel complete. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic, spinach, and high-quality Parmesan cheese. These ingredients will enhance the overall taste of your dish. Control the Heat: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat on medium to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to your sauce. Customize the Creaminess: To make the dish lighter, feel free to substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or use a low-fat cream alternative. Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful chicken. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or scallops. Both add a nice twist. Shrimp cooks fast and takes on the sauce's flavor well. Scallops offer a sweet taste and tender bite. Just adjust your cooking time. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or tofu. Both soak up flavors and add texture. Sauté mushrooms until golden for a savory kick. Or, pan-fry tofu until crispy for a hearty bite. Need dairy-free options? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It offers creaminess and a subtle sweetness. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. You can also add more veggies. Bell peppers or zucchini work great. Sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can brighten the dish, too. Pair your Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken with a side salad. A crisp green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread is another great choice for soaking up sauce. For drinks, a light white wine works well. A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can enhance your meal. Their crispness complements the creamy sauce nicely. To keep your Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. For the best taste and texture, reheat the chicken on the stove over low heat. This keeps the chicken moist and warm. Stir the creamy sauce gently to avoid separation. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This method helps maintain the creaminess. To freeze Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave. This keeps the flavors intact. You can serve Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for a warm, crusty bite. - Steamed broccoli for a vibrant green side. - A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes. - Roasted potatoes to add a crispy texture. - Rice or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. Each of these sides pairs well with the rich flavors of the chicken. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead. Here are some tips: - Cook the chicken and sauce as directed. - Let it cool down before storing. - Place it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. - Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. This method saves time on busy days while keeping the meal delicious. Absolutely! Here’s how to adapt it: - Season the chicken and place it in the slow cooker. - Add the garlic, tomatoes, and spinach on top. - Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the cheese. - Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Using a slow cooker makes this dish easy and hands-off. You can lighten up this dish with a few simple swaps: - Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. - Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream. - Use less cheese or a lower-fat cheese option. - Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to boost nutrition. These swaps help keep the flavor while cutting down on calories. In this blog post, we explored a delicious recipe for Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. I shared variations and storage tips to help you enjoy this meal longer. Remember, simple adjustments can enhance flavors and suit your taste. Whether you stick to chicken or try a different protein, this meal is sure to please. Enjoy creating this savory dish and impressing your family and friends!

Lusciously Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken

A rich and creamy chicken dish with garlic, spinach, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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 extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  • While the oil warms, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and the Italian seasoning, ensuring an even distribution.
  • Once the oil is hot, gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes aromatic and golden, taking care not to let it burn.
  • Next, incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and burst.
  • Stir in the fresh spinach, cooking until just wilted—this should take about 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, increasing the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously to help prevent the cream from scorching on the bottom of the skillet.
  • Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and squeeze the lemon juice into the sauce. Mix thoroughly until the cheese has melted completely, integrating it into a rich, creamy sauce.
  • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Spoon some of the creamy mixture over the tops of the chicken and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • To finish, garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aroma just before serving.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, garlic, Tuscan