Pin It Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach—a comforting dish inspired by the flavors of Tuscany.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite thanks to its simple preparation and delectable flavors.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sauce: 4 cloves garlic minced, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed), ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil drained and sliced), 2 cups fresh baby spinach, 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening), 2 tablespoons cold water (if using cornstarch), ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- To Serve: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt pepper and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Sear Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic:
- In the same skillet add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese whisking until smooth.
- Add Tomatoes and Spice:
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer sauce for 2 3 minutes.
- Thicken Sauce:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl then whisk into the sauce and simmer until thickened.
- Cook Spinach:
- Add spinach and cook until wilted about 1 minute.
- Combine and Heat:
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 3 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Pin It This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners and often sparks smiles at the table.
Notes
Serve with mashed potatoes pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use boneless thighs instead of breasts. Add mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
Required Tools
Large skillet Tongs or spatula Whisk Small bowl (if using cornstarch)
Nutritional Information
Calories 480 Total Fat 28 g Carbohydrates 11 g Protein 44 g per serving
Pin It Enjoy this creamy Tuscan garlic chicken as a delightful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Ensure the chicken breasts are not overcooked by searing them just until golden and finishing in the sauce to gently heat through, locking in moisture.
- → Can I substitute spinach with another green?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard work well as alternatives; add them towards the end to wilt gently without losing texture.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half makes a lighter option, though the sauce will be less rich. Coconut cream can also be used for a dairy-free variation.
- → How do I thicken the sauce if needed?
Mix cornstarch with cold water and whisk into the simmering sauce; cook a couple of minutes until it thickens to your liking.
- → What side dishes pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread help soak up the creamy sauce nicely, complementing the flavors and textures.
- → Can sun-dried tomatoes be omitted or replaced?
Omitting alters the flavor balance; however, roasted red peppers can be a colorful substitute adding a different sweet note.