Save Tender chicken breasts simmered in a luxurious garlic-parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, all made in a single skillet for an elegant yet easy weeknight meal.
This creamy Tuscan chicken quickly became a favorite in my household, perfect for busy nights and impressing guests alike
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sauce: 3 cloves garlic minced ½ cup sun dried tomatoes (packed in oil) drained and sliced 1 cup heavy cream ½ cup chicken broth ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional for thickening) 2 cups baby spinach leaves 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt pepper and Italian herbs
- Sear Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat Add chicken and sear for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and mostly cooked through Remove chicken from the pan and set aside
- Sauté Garlic:
- In the same pan lower the heat to medium Add butter and garlic sautéing until fragrant (about 30 seconds)
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in sun dried tomatoes then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream Bring to a gentle simmer
- Add Cheese and Thicken:
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted If a thicker sauce is desired dissolve cornstarch in 2 teaspoons water and whisk into the sauce
- Add Spinach:
- Add the spinach and cook until just wilted
- Simmer Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet nestling them into the sauce Simmer for 5 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving
Save Cooking this dish always brings the family together around the table sharing stories and laughter
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread pasta or steamed vegetables to complete the meal
Dietary Tips
For a gluten free option verify all ingredients are gluten free Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for dairy free
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days Reheat gently to preserve creaminess
Save This dish’s balance of creamy sauce and savory chicken makes it an irresistible weeknight favorite
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute heavy cream in this dish?
Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter version, or coconut cream for a dairy-free option, though flavor and texture may vary.
- → How do I thicken the sauce if needed?
Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water and whisk it into the sauce while simmering to achieve desired thickness.
- → What is the best way to cook the chicken breasts evenly?
Pat chicken dry, season well, sear on medium-high heat for 5 minutes each side, then simmer in sauce until cooked through.
- → Can sun-dried tomatoes be substituted?
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add rich flavor, but dry-packed tomatoes can be rehydrated and used as an alternative.
- → What side dishes complement this one-pan chicken?
Crusty bread, pasta, or steamed vegetables pair well to soak up the creamy sauce and balance the meal.