Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe

Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken, a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home. With tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious garlic cream sauce, this meal is perfect for a weeknight treat or an elegant dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates a delicious, savory dish.
2. Simple Yet Elegant: With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish feels gourmet but is easy to execute.
3. Versatile: Serve over pasta, rice, or even zoodles for a low-carb option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken
   • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
   • Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic
   • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Build the Sauce
   • Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Incorporate Flavor
   • Add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, and oregano. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the Chicken
   • Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet.
   • Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat evenly.
2. Add Spinach
   • Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Simmer
   • Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
   • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients
   • Fresh spinach and quality Parmesan cheese elevate the flavor.
3. Adjust the Consistency
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered to thicken.

Variations

1. Low-Carb Option
   • Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
2. Add Mushrooms
   • Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.
3. Spicy Version
   • Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pasta: Serve over fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
• Rice: Pair with fluffy white rice or creamy risotto.
• Vegetables: Accompany with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   • Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay juicier.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   • Substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken separately. Combine and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe is a delightful mix of rich, creamy, and savory flavors. With minimal effort and a touch of elegance, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular favorite on your dinner table!

Yield: 4

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe

Print

Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken, a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home. With tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious garlic cream sauce, this meal is perfect for a weeknight treat or an elegant dinner party.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Sauce:
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (drained if packed in oil)
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
2. Step 2: Make the Tuscan Garlic Sauce
   In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it. Bring to a simmer.
   Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken.
   Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
   
3. Step 3: Combine and Serve
   Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
   Serve the creamy Tuscan garlic chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For Even Cooking: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.

Add Protein Variety: Substitute chicken with shrimp or salmon for a different take.

Customize the Flavor: Use fresh basil or oregano for a more aromatic dish.