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Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a luscious and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich and creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Italian herbs. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained), roughly chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  • Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using) and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add Spinach and Chicken: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
  • Serve: Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken immediately over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, if desired.

Notes

  • Chicken: You can use chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs will be more tender and juicy.
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes: If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before chopping.
  • Spinach: You can substitute kale or other leafy greens for spinach.
  • Cream: Heavy cream provides the richest flavor, but you can use half-and-half or light cream for a lighter version. However, the sauce may not thicken as much.
  • Wine: A splash of white wine (like Pinot Grigio) can be added to the sauce after sautéing the garlic for extra flavor.
  • Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

Find it online: https://lorachef.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-a-culinary-delight/