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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe Easy Garlic Spinach Dinner

creamy tuscan chicken skillet - featured image

A comforting and quick creamy Tuscan chicken skillet with garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • 5 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed (about 5 ounces or 140 grams), washed and dried
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch or 1.3 cm). Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet (add a splash more oil if dry) and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, stirring to combine flavors.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and butter (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add fresh spinach a handful at a time, stirring until wilted and incorporated into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and heat through for another 2 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, spooning extra sauce and spinach over the chicken.

Notes

Keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning; stir constantly and cook over moderate heat. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking. Add Parmesan cheese slowly while stirring to avoid clumping. Add spinach gradually to prevent mushiness. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. Use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes for lactose-free adaptation. Double-check chicken broth brand for gluten-free compliance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken skillet, garlic spinach chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, easy chicken dinner, weeknight meal, creamy sauce chicken