Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Indulge in this rich and creamy Tuscan Chicken, featuring tender chicken cutlets simmered in a luscious sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It's a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home.

• Prep time: 18 minutes
• Cook time: 28 minutes
• Total time: 46 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
9. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Tips

• Use good quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor.
• Don't overcook the chicken; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
• Ensure the sauce is creamy and well-combined before adding the chicken back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Sear them until browned, then simmer in the sauce until cooked through, which may take slightly longer than cutlets.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream if needed.

What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread for dipping, rice, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.