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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh basil for garnish To make Creamy Tuscan Chicken, you need fresh and simple ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They soak up all the flavors from the sauce. I recommend using boneless and skinless chicken for ease. Next, olive oil adds a nice richness. You will use it to sear the chicken. Salt and pepper are your basic seasonings. They enhance the chicken’s taste. Garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. Fresh garlic is best for this recipe. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Halving them helps them cook quickly. Spinach brings a fresh touch and bright green color. It wilts perfectly in the sauce. Heavy cream creates that luxurious, creamy texture. It makes the dish feel indulgent. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty taste. It melts beautifully into the sauce. Italian seasoning brings all the herbs together. It gives that classic Tuscan flavor. Lastly, fresh basil is perfect for garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness. These ingredients come together for a delightful and easy dinner. - Patting Dry and Seasoning Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps get a nice sear. Next, season both sides with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and brings out the chicken's taste. - Heating Olive Oil for Searing: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking. This will help you get a golden crust on the chicken. - Searing Chicken Breasts: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Sautéing Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften up a bit. - Adding Spinach and Cream Sauce: Now, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. - Combining Chicken with Sauce: Finally, add the seared chicken back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix well. - Plating the Dish: When ready to serve, place the chicken on a plate. Make sure to drizzle some of the creamy sauce over the top. - Garnishing with Basil: Finish your dish by garnishing it with fresh basil. This adds a pop of color and flavor to your creamy Tuscan chicken. Enjoy your meal! Perfectly Searing Chicken To get a nice sear on your chicken, start with a dry surface. Pat the chicken breasts with paper towels. This helps the oil stick better. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Place the chicken in the hot skillet. Don't move it for 5-6 minutes. This helps develop a golden crust. Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side. It should be cooked through and browned perfectly. Thicken Cream Sauce Without Curds To avoid curds in your cream sauce, keep the heat at medium. Stir the cream gently into the skillet. Add the Parmesan cheese slowly while stirring. This helps it melt without clumping. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes. It will thicken nicely while staying smooth. Adding More Vegetables You can boost nutrition and flavor by adding more veggies. Consider bell peppers or zucchini for a sweet crunch. Mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor. Just sauté them with the garlic and tomatoes. This adds color and makes the dish more filling. Alternative Seasonings Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Instead of Italian seasoning, try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. Lemon zest can brighten the dish and add freshness. Play around to find your favorite flavor profile. Best Skillet for Cooking A large, heavy skillet is best for this dish. Cast iron or stainless steel skillets heat evenly. They can handle high heat without warping. Non-stick pans work too, but you may not get as nice a sear. Choose one that feels good in your hand. Tools for Easy Cleanup To make cleanup easier, use a spatula made of silicone or wood. These won’t scratch your skillet. Have a good set of measuring cups and spoons. A whisk helps mix the sauce well. Lastly, keep some kitchen towels handy for quick wipes. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. If you want a seafood option, use shrimp instead of chicken. Just sauté the shrimp until they turn pink. For a plant-based meal, tofu works well. Use firm tofu and cook it until golden brown. You can also swap the heavy cream for a lighter option. Try using half-and-half or coconut cream. Both will give you a nice creamy texture while saving some calories. Herbs play a big role in flavor. You can add herbs like thyme or oregano for a new taste. Fresh parsley also brightens the dish. Just sprinkle some on top before serving. If you love cheese, you can switch it up too. Try using feta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan. These cheeses will give a unique flavor twist to your creamy sauce. For those who need gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe. Just make sure your chicken broth and any seasoning blends are gluten-free. If you're watching your carbs, you can serve this dish with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Both options are low in carbs but still filling. They soak up the creamy sauce well, making each bite a delight. To keep your Creamy Tuscan Chicken fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep it from drying out. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. This helps keep the flavors and texture. - Cool down the dish first. - Use small containers for easy portions. - Label containers with the date to track freshness. Choose glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Glass containers are safe for reheating. They also do not absorb odors or stains. Ensure the lids fit tightly to keep air out. When reheating, I recommend using the stove or microwave. The stovetop method keeps the sauce creamy. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring gently. This avoids burning or overcooking. - Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth. - Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely to let steam escape. Watch the temperature closely. Reheat just until it’s warm. Overheating can dry out the chicken and sauce. Stir often to heat evenly. You can freeze Creamy Tuscan Chicken for later use. Freezing is great for meal prep. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. - Use freezer-safe containers or bags. - Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. - Label with the date and contents before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. If you need it fast, use the microwave’s defrost setting. Avoid thawing at room temperature to keep it safe. You can tell the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for the best accuracy. The chicken should also look golden brown and the juices should run clear when you cut into it. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove until hot. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Garlic bread also makes a great option to soak up the creamy sauce. To add heat to the sauce, try adding red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can also use hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra spice. Yes, canned tomatoes can work well in this recipe. Choose diced or whole canned tomatoes, but drain some liquid. Canned tomatoes may have a stronger flavor, so adjust seasoning as needed. This blog post outlined how to make a delicious Creamy Tuscan Chicken. We reviewed the key ingredients, like chicken breasts and garlic, and walked through each step. I shared tips for perfect cooking and variations to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them well. Experiment with herbs and proteins to make this dish your own. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty meal! Your kitchen adventure starts now!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Indulge in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Delight for a quick and satisfying meal! Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can create a flavorful dinner that's sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this delicious comfort food! Don't miss out on this tasty treat!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

    Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

        Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

          Create the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

            Combine: Add the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

              Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4