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Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It is an easy Italian-inspired dinner that can be served with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Turn it into creamy Tuscan chicken pasta for an extra hearty meal the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  5. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
  7. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  8. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  9. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  10. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine.
  11. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  12. Add the optional red pepper flakes and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
  13. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
  14. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8–12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
  15. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.
  16. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  17. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
  18. Serve warm with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Notes

 
Use chicken breasts of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for the chicken breasts.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the creamy sauce.
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide excellent flavor and texture.
Keep the cream at a gentle simmer and avoid boiling the sauce.
For creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, toss the finished sauce and sliced chicken with cooked pasta.
Add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.