Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Meal
Are you looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that's packed with flavor? Look no further than this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe! This dish is creamy, savory, and satisfying, and it's sure to become a family favorite. It's also surprisingly simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
What is Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
Creamy Tuscan chicken is a chicken dish cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and bright, slightly tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe stands out because it:
- Is incredibly flavorful: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Is easy to make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and is simple to follow, even for beginner cooks.
- Is incredibly versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, polenta, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal. You can also easily adapt it to your dietary needs – add more vegetables, use different types of cheese, or substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs.
- Is a great meal prep option: Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make this creamy Tuscan chicken, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped. (If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, reserve the oil for extra flavor!)
- Spinach: 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional additions: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or fresh basil for extra freshness.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Tuscan Chicken Perfection
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the chicken and spinach: Add the cooked chicken and spinach to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Tips and Variations
- For a richer flavor: Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese.
- Add more vegetables: Include other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation, delicious flavors, and versatility make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy!
