If you’re looking for a meal that is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken is perfect! It’s a restaurant-style dish made right in your own kitchen in less than 30 minutes. The tender chicken is cooked in a garlic parmesan cream sauce with juicy tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s easy, delicious, and sure to impress your family at dinnertime! Plus, it pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Method
Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. While the oil is heating, season both sides of the chicken fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken into the pan. Allow it to cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, flipping once, until the outside is golden brown and the inside is fully cooked. To check for doneness, cut into the thickest part of the chicken there should be no pink remaining. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, without cleaning it, add the diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and grape tomatoes. Let them cook together for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld. The tomatoes will start to soften, releasing their juices into the pan, enhancing the base of the creamy sauce.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the vegetables are softened and fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and stir well to incorporate all the flavors. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, being careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the cream to separate. Gradually add in the parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to help it melt smoothly into the sauce. Finally, add the baby spinach, stirring until the spinach begins to wilt slightly, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Add the Chicken Back
Now that the sauce is rich and creamy, place the cooked chicken fillets back into the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken so it soaks up all the delicious flavors. Reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer for about 10 minutes. This step allows the chicken to fully absorb the creamy, garlicky, and tangy flavors from the sauce while keeping it tender and juicy.
Cook the Cauliflower Rice
While the chicken is simmering, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the frozen cauliflower rice directly into the pan and season it with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Let the cauliflower rice cook for about 5 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly golden in some spots. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside for serving.
Serve & Enjoy!
Once the chicken has finished simmering in the sauce, give it a final stir and spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top. Plate the chicken alongside a generous serving of cauliflower rice or your choice of side. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese or fresh basil for a finishing touch. Now, it’s time to dig in and enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish!
Necessary Tools
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Stove
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts, filleted
1 small onion, diced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
3 cups baby spinach
2 tbsp garlic, minced
½ cup parmesan cheese
2 cups heavy cream
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
For the Cauliflower Rice:
2 cups frozen cauliflower rice
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. While the oil is heating, season both sides of the chicken fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place the seasoned chicken into the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same pan (without cleaning it), add the diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and grape tomatoes. Let them cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to mix everything together. Bring the cream sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the baby spinach and parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach starts to wilt and the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Add the Chicken Back: Place the cooked chicken back into the pan, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat. This allows the chicken to soak up all the amazing flavors while staying juicy and tender.
- Cook the Cauliflower Rice: While the chicken is simmering, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the frozen cauliflower rice and season with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once the chicken is done, spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top and serve it alongside a generous portion of cauliflower rice. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal!
Notes
- Chicken Thickness: If your chicken fillets are too thick, pound them slightly to ensure even cooking.
- Simmering the Sauce: Be careful not to boil the sauce keep it at a gentle simmer so the cream doesn’t separate.
- Cauliflower Rice Cooking: Stir occasionally while cooking the cauliflower rice to prevent it from burning or sticking.
- Cheese Melting: Add the parmesan cheese slowly to the sauce and stir well to prevent clumping.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Stick with cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
- Extra Greens: Serve with a fresh side salad for added crunch and freshness.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy bite!
Fun Fact
Did you know that sun-dried tomatoes have 20 times more lycopene than fresh tomatoes? Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps keep your skin healthy and your immune system strong. That means this dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients!
Conclusion
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. With its creamy garlic parmesan sauce, juicy chicken, and rich flavors, it’s a dish that feels like a fancy restaurant meal but made right at home! Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try tonight and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
