Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach

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Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably in oil)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  3. Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted.

Step 3: Combine

  1. Return Chicken: Add the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Garnish: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken with extra sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips:

  • You can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but add it at the end and remove the skillet from the heat to avoid curdling.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic.

Variations:

  • Mushroom Add-In: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for additional flavor and texture.
  • Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.