For a cozy night in or a special family gathering, few dishes are as comforting as Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Butter Spinach. This recipe is like a warm hug on a plate—rich, satisfying, and packed with flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. I personally believe this dish embodies the essence of comfort food, making it a perfect choice for both experienced cooks and those who are just beginning their culinary journey.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet impressive ingredients. You’ll need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts—juicy and tender—cooked to perfection in a delightful mix of olive oil, heavy cream, and chicken broth. The Italian seasoning and chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a robust flavor profile, while the fresh spinach and minced garlic offer a burst of freshness that lightens each bite. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brings everything together beautifully, making each serving not just delicious but visually appealing as well.
Cooking this dish is straightforward, which makes it perfect for any skill level. Start by searing the chicken until it’s golden brown, then set it aside to create the creamy sauce. With just a few more steps—sautéing garlic, combining the sun-dried tomatoes with seasoning, and stirring in the cream and spinach—you’ll have a delightful sauce ready to coat the chicken. Before serving, simply return the chicken to the skillet to soak up all that wonderful flavor and finish with a sprinkle of cheese.
Whether you need a dish for chilly nights, a dinner party, or a potluck, Creamy Tuscan Chicken is versatile enough to shine in any scenario. It’s both simple and elegant, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Butter Spinach
- Quick to Prepare: This dish can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients on hand, which makes it an easy choice to put together.
- Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this meal is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
- Healthy Spinach: The fresh spinach not only adds color but also packs in vitamins and minerals, making this meal a bit healthier.
- Impressive Presentation: Served with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish looks just as stunning as it tastes.
Chicken Selection Tips
When it comes to chicken, the quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of your final dish. For this recipe, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and remain juicy, especially when seared properly. If you can, look for organic or free-range options. These varieties tend to have a better flavor and texture. Ensure the chicken is fresh and has no signs of discoloration. If you feel up to it, you could even use chicken thighs for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember that they might require a slightly longer cooking time.
Options for Substitutions
- Olive Oil: Use butter for a richer flavor or avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be used if you want a brighter and fresher taste.
- Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can be substituted if you prefer.
- Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free alternative for a cheesy flavor.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
Avoid overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if left on the heat for too long. Make sure to check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Be careful with your seasoning: While salt and pepper are essential, be cautious not to over-season, especially since sun-dried tomatoes can be quite salty. Taste as you go.
Add spinach at the right time: If you add spinach too early, it may become mushy. Let it cook just until wilted to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
Thickening the sauce: If the sauce thickens too much after adding the heavy cream, you can splash in a bit more chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
What to Serve With Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Butter Spinach?
This delectable dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy garlic mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal. Another great option is a simple green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the chicken. For a heartier accompaniment, crusty bread can also be an ideal choice, allowing you to soak up that creamy sauce.
Storage Instructions
Store: Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freeze: If you want to preserve it for longer, you can freeze the creamy chicken for up to two months. However, be aware that the texture might change slightly upon reheating.
Reheat: To reheat, warm the dish gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 1,200 – 1,400
Protein: 80 – 90 grams
Fat: 90 – 100 grams
Carbohydrates: 30 – 40 grams
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for just 1 minute or until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for a few minutes.
Step 4: Add Cream and Spinach
Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce thicken slightly. Once thickened, add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it generously in the creamy sauce. Cook for another few minutes until heated through. Serve it hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Butter Spinach is truly a delightful dish that marries comfort and flavor. It’s straightforward to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings. Don’t forget to share your feedback, and feel free to explore similar posts on our blog for more delicious inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the chicken just before serving. This will keep the flavors fresh.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, but the cream sauce may change texture slightly after freezing. Make sure to reheat gently.
What if I want a dairy-free option?
You can replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to enjoy a delicious dairy-free version of this recipe.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Butter Spinach
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting dish featuring seared chicken breasts in a rich creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for just 1 minute or until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce thicken slightly. Once thickened, add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it generously in the creamy sauce. Cook for another few minutes until heated through. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Try using organic chicken for better flavor. Great with garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg