Creamy Tuscan chicken skillet is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. Not only is this recipe satisfying, but it’s also packed with nutrients like protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and nutritious without too much effort. The balance of creaminess with the tang of sun-dried tomatoes makes this dish a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 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 should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this adds flavor to the sauce). Then, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. Add Parmesan and Tomatoes: Once the sauce is simmering, add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Add Spinach: Toss the fresh spinach into the skillet and stir it into the creamy sauce. Let the spinach wilt, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

7. Return Chicken to the Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

8. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve the creamy Tuscan chicken skillet hot. It pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Adjustments:

• Swap out spinach with kale or Swiss chard for added variety, or add mushrooms for extra texture.

How to Store:

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Avoid freezing as the sauce may lose its creamy consistency.

Tips:

• Tender chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender.
• Don’t rush the sauce: Let the sauce simmer slowly to thicken properly and develop its full flavor. Rushing may cause the cream to separate.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Use the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and richness. Be sure to drain them well before adding them to the sauce.
• Lighter option: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or use light cream. It will slightly reduce the richness but still maintain a creamy texture.
• Thicken the sauce: If your sauce isn’t thick enough, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Add pasta water: If you’re serving this over pasta, reserve some of the starchy pasta water and add it to the sauce for extra creaminess and to help bind the sauce to the pasta.
• Pan choice: Use a cast-iron skillet for even cooking and better heat retention, which enhances the browning of the chicken and the sauce’s depth of flavor.
• Garnish for extra freshness: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil just before serving to brighten up the dish and add a fresh flavor contrast to the creamy sauce.

Conclusion:

This creamy Tuscan chicken skillet is a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights or a special weekend dinner, it’s a flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!