Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that feels fancy yet is incredibly simple to prepare, look no further than this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe. This delightful meal is bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of tender chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe takes comfort food to new heights!
Top Reasons to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Deliciously rich and creamy sauce that elevates the chicken.
- Quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Packed with vegetables, providing a nutritious boost.
- Versatile—great for serving over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.
- Impressive enough for dinner parties or family gatherings.
What You’ll Need
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved (1 1/2 lbs)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, divided, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp light olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz brown mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup green onion, green parts, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Equipment at a Glance
- Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and creating the sauce.
- Cutting board: To prepare your ingredients.
- Knife: For chopping vegetables and slicing chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient portions.
- Spatula: For stirring the ingredients while cooking.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe: How It’s Done
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the halved chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of the fine sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper, and the garlic powder on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of light olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Spinach
Stir in the finely shredded parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Then, add the fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 7: Serve
Taste the sauce and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken over your favorite pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Substitutions by Diet
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the parmesan cheese.
- Use gluten-free pasta if serving with pasta to make it gluten-free.
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and increase the amount of vegetables.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- For a richer flavor, allow the mushrooms to brown longer before adding other ingredients.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you find the dish too salty, balance it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
Leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream, but it’s delicious fresh!
Helpful Q&A
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, ensure it is fully thawed before starting the recipe.
What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even a side of garlic bread. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before adding the chicken.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and increase the vegetable content. The creamy sauce can be made with coconut cream for a vegan option.
Explore More
Serve & Enjoy
Gather your family around the table and serve this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe with pride. The vibrant colors and rich flavors will surely impress everyone. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the warmth of a home-cooked meal, and don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the deliciousness you’ve created. Happy cooking!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning the halved chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of the fine sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper, and the garlic powder on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of light olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the finely shredded parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Then, add the fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Taste the sauce and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken over your favorite pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the parmesan cheese.
- Use gluten-free pasta if serving with pasta to make it gluten-free.
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a different flavor profile.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
