This Easy Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a warm hug in a dish! With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s full of flavor. Perfect with pasta or rice!
You’ll love how quick this is to whip up! I often pair it with a side salad for a yummy dinner that feels special. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease and quick cooking. You can substitute thighs if you prefer more flavor and moisture, just adjust the cooking time as they may take longer.
Heavy Cream: This adds a rich creaminess to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version, though it will slightly change the taste.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed ones for extra flavor. If you don’t have these, you can use fresh tomatoes, but they will need to be cooked longer to reach a similar flavor profile.
Spinach: Fresh spinach works best, but you can use frozen spinach as well. Just thaw and drain it really well to avoid excess liquid in your sauce.
Italian Seasoning: This blend gives a great herby flavor. You can substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Tender?
The key to perfectly cooked chicken is not to rush the searing process. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot! A good hot pan ensures a nice sear and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan; cook in batches if necessary. This allows for even cooking and browning.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This helps it retain juices, making each bite tender.
By following these tips, your chicken will be deliciously golden and juicy in every serving!
Easy Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish requires about 15 minutes for preparation and another 15-20 minutes for cooking, making a total time of around 35-40 minutes. It’s a swift way to bring a gourmet meal to your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds great flavor to the chicken.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it starts to look translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant; be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another minute. This adds a lovely richness to your sauce.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything well. This will create the creamy base for your sauce.
6. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Incorporate the Spinach:
Mix in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, adding a burst of color and nutrition to your dish.
8. Finish Cooking the Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of that delicious sauce over the top. Let it simmer on low heat for another 3-5 minutes to reheat and absorb the flavors.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this creamy Tuscan garlic chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with some crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful sauce!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and will add more flavor and moisture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take longer to cook through, approximately 7-10 minutes per side.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the Parmesan cheese, try using nutritional yeast, which adds a similar cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
