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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

creamy tuscan chicken - featured image

A rich and flavorful creamy Tuscan chicken dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 1/2 cup (about 70 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
  • 3 cups (about 90 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/3 cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. The butter adds richness and helps the chicken brown.
  3. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside, tented with foil to keep warm.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic and chopped shallots for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, avoiding burning.
  5. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release flavor.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift browned bits.
  7. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  8. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until wilted and tender. Season sauce with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  9. Return chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  10. Serve hot with plenty of creamy sauce spooned over. Pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen. If too thin, simmer longer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing. Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach, Easy Dinner, Pan-Seared Chicken, Italian Recipe, Weeknight Meal, Comfort Food