Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is a delightful option. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful cream sauce, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
The vibrant colors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Italian spices come together to create a visually appealing and delicious dish. It’s not just about taste; this meal is also quick to prepare and requires only one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions & Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are heated through.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Allow everything to heat together for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
FAQs
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.
What if my chicken breasts are too thick?
If the chicken breasts are thick, consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness for quicker and more even cooking.
Can I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can use half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative, although the sauce may not be as rich.
Can I scale this recipe for more people?
Absolutely! Just increase the quantities of all ingredients proportionally to serve more people.
Conclusion
The Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is a versatile and flavorful dish that can easily become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. With its creamy sauce and vibrant ingredients, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Whether served over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread, this dish is a celebration of Italian flavors that is simple to prepare yet feels indulgent. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Recipe Card
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are heated through.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Allow everything to heat together for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
