This Easy Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a total win! It features tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach—yum!
I love how quick this dish is to make. It’s perfect for busy nights when comfort food calls, and it pairs wonderfully with pasta or rice. You’ll be wanting seconds, I promise! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay moist. If you prefer, you could use chicken thighs for more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time a bit as thighs may take longer.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I love using sun-dried tomatoes because they pack a punch of flavor. If you don’t have any, you could use roasted red peppers or even fresh diced tomatoes, but the flavor will be milder.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: A must-have for that cheesy richness. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast can substitute if you’re aiming for a vegan option.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully in the sauce. You can swap it with kale or even frozen spinach—just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken may seem tricky, but it’s all about timing and temperature! First, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps it sear nicely for that golden color!
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This keeps them tender and juicy.
- If you’re unsure if it’s cooked, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes out of the skillet to keep it from drying.
With these tips, you’ll have beautifully cooked chicken ready for that creamy sauce!
Easy Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes total—15 minutes for preparation and cooking the chicken, and another 10-15 minutes for making the creamy sauce and finishing touches. Perfect for a quick but satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Make the Flavor Base:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onions. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. This is where the flavor really starts to develop!
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another minute. Their rich flavor will meld wonderfully with the garlic and onions.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir them together to combine nicely. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let this sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Add Spinach and Combine:
Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it wilts down beautifully. The bright green spinach adds a lovely color and nutrition to the dish!
6. Return the Chicken:
Lastly, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and mingle the flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your delicious Tuscan Garlic Chicken with fresh chopped parsley before serving. It pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or even some crusty bread to soak up that amazing creamy sauce. Enjoy your rich and savory dish!
FAQs about Easy Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor, and they remain tender even if cooked a little longer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the Parmesan cheese, try nutritional yeast to achieve a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then refrigerate them. To enjoy, reheat the chicken in a skillet and add the sauce, warming gently until heated through. This helps maintain the flavors and textures.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This creamy Tuscan garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You could also serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
