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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet

creamy tuscan chicken skillet - featured image

A quick and easy creamy chicken skillet recipe featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy Italian-inspired dinner in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
  • 4 cups baby spinach (about 120 grams), fresh and washed
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (180 ml)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (60 ml)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and place between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound gently to about 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until hot but not smoking. (2 minutes)
  3. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside. (10 minutes)
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir frequently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. (3 minutes)
  5. Pour in 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chicken broth, stirring to scrape up browned bits. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. (4 minutes)
  6. Add 4 cups fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir until the leaves wilt and the sauce is creamy. (2 minutes)
  7. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and cook together for another 2 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. (3 minutes)
  8. Serve immediately with plenty of sauce, paired with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to loosen. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken to ensure a good crust. Simmer sauce gently to prevent curdling. Fresh spinach wilts down significantly, so use the full amount. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, Tuscan chicken, skillet dinner, easy chicken recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, parmesan sauce, quick dinner