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Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken - featured image

This easy one-pan skillet dinner features juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. If using, add sliced mushrooms now.
  5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Let spinach wilt for about 2 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of extra broth.
  6. Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes and lemon juice, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until chicken is heated through and sauce is bubbling gently.
  8. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot, straight from the pan.

Notes

For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and olive oil for heavy cream and butter. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts; adjust cooking time as needed. Prep all ingredients before cooking for a smoother process. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy garlic chicken, skillet dinner, one-pan meal, Italian chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, low-carb, comfort food