Creamy Tuscan Chicken Spinach a Taste of Italy at Home

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Spinach An Easy Italian Escape

Recipe Introduction

Craving Italian? Me Too!

Have you ever just dreamed of escaping to Italy? Honestly, me too! But until that lottery ticket comes in, let’s bring Tuscany to our kitchens.

This creamy tuscan chicken and spinach recipe is exactly what you need. It's seriously bursting with sunshine and flavour.

A Little Taste of Tuscany at Home

This recipe is inspired by the rolling hills of Tuscany. It is a Italian chicken dinner recipe that is pure comfort food.

This dish only needs one pan and about 40 minutes to make. It serves 4 people generously and makes you feel like you have a personal Italian chef.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Recipe

The creamy sauce is packed with goodness. It includes spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. This one-pan tuscan chicken spinach is a great source of protein and vitamins.

Perfect for busy weeknights! It's impressive enough for a dinner party. It will make you feel like a star.

Ready to get cooking? The ingredients are next.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Okay, let's talk ingredients. Honestly, the key to creamy tuscan chicken and spinach is freshness. Simple as that. Nothing crazy complicated here.

Main Ingredients: The Tuscan Dream Team

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Get good quality ones, ya know? Not those watery ones.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil ( 15ml )
  • 1 tsp salt ( 5g )
  • ½ tsp black pepper ( 2.5g )
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning ( 5g )
  • 2 tbsp butter ( 30g/ about 1 oz )
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (about 75g ). The oil-packed kind? chef's kiss
  • 1 cup chicken broth ( 240ml )
  • ½ cup heavy cream ( 120ml ). Don’t skimp! Makes it extra creamy.
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ( 30g )
  • 5 oz fresh spinach ( 140g ), roughly chopped.

Seasoning Notes: Italian Magic

Italian seasoning is key. Essential spice combination. Don't overthink it. A pinch of red pepper flakes is also a good move if you like a bit of heat.

Flavour enhancers. Adds a nice kick. Can’t find Italian seasoning? Mix oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. Quick substitution option, done! This chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach is divine!

Equipment Needed: Simple is Best

Just a large skillet. Preferably cast iron for even heat distribution. But stainless steel? Works great! Measuring cups and spoons.

A knife and cutting board. Easy peasy. Need weeknight chicken dinner ideas ? Grab one-pan tuscan chicken spinach , ready in a jiffy!

Cooking Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Spinach to Perfection

So, you want to make creamy tuscan chicken and spinach ? It's a classic! It's like, the weeknight dinner when you wanna impress but also be lazy, you know? Honestly, this dish is a total crowd pleaser.

I've made it countless times, from impressing dates to feeding a hungry family after a long day. Trust me, you got this!

Prep Like a Pro, Cook Like a Boss

First things first, let's get our act together. That's what makes cooking enjoyable. Chop your spinach, mince that garlic, and measure out your ingredients.

The French call it mise en place , and it's pure genius. Honestly, it saves so much time. I like to chop all my veggies first, so I don't have to rush around later.

This Tuscan chicken recipe easy to make if you prepare first.

Speaking of safety, don't be a ninny! Watch those fingers when you chop. And please, for the love of good food, wash your hands before you start.

Getting Down to Business: The step-by-step Guide

Okay, here’s the breakdown:

  1. Season those chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side), making sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F .
  3. Melt butter in the same pan and sauté minced garlic until you can smell it (about 30 seconds ). Don't burn it, or your dish is RUINED.
  4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer and scrape those tasty bits from the pan!
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it thicken for 2- 3 minutes .
  6. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts, about 1- 2 minutes .
  7. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for another 2- 3 minutes to warm it up.
  8. Garnish with parsley if that´s your preference.
  9. Eat it.

Pro Tips for Extra Flavor

Want to level up? Sear the chicken well. It adds loads of flavor. This creamy spinach chicken pasta turns out like a charm using sear.

Also, don't overcrowd the pan. The chicken won't brown properly. Another thing, taste the sauce! You know? Adjust the seasoning to your liking. This one-pan Tuscan chicken spinach is so easy!.

Wanna be extra? Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor. I also love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Avoiding Disaster: Common Mistakes

Don't overcook the chicken. It'll be dry and sad. Burnt garlic is a no-no. And, please, use fresh spinach! Frozen spinach will work, but fresh is always better.

The Grand Finale

And there you have it. You can be sure that italian chicken dinner recipes with creamy garlic chicken and spinach will impress.

I can see you now, relaxing with a glass of wine, basking in the glory of your culinary triumph. Good job!

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Spinach

Alright, let's talk about some extra bits and bobs for this creamy tuscan chicken and spinach recipe. Honestly, it's pretty straightforward, but a few tips can really elevate it.

Plus, I've got some ideas if you want to switch things up a bit.

Serving It Up Like a Pro

Okay, so plating matters, you know? I like to serve my creamy spinach chicken pasta over a bed of linguine.

Twirl it up all fancy like! A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few extra shavings of Parmesan? Chef's kiss .

For sides, think crusty bread to mop up all that glorious sauce. Or how about some garlic mashed potatoes? Heaven! A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio would go down a treat too.

Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop that Tuscan chicken recipe easy into an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, gently warm it in a pan on the hob, stirring occasionally. You can freeze it, but the cream sauce might change texture a bit.

If you do freeze it, use it within 2 months. Reheat thoroughly, making sure the chicken is piping hot.

Remixing the Recipe

Fancy a change? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a creamy garlic chicken and spinach with a kick.

Or, swap the chicken for salmon fillets. Hello, creamy Tuscan salmon recipe !

Want a dairy-free creamy Tuscan chicken version? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a subtle sweetness. And swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast.

It's not quite the same, but it does the trick! You can also try this delicious One-pan Tuscan chicken spinach .

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, so this dish is pretty rich. Each serving clocks in around 450 calories, with about 40g of protein. The cream and Parmesan mean it's got around 25g of fat.

But hey, it's all about balance, right? The spinach brings in some good vitamins. Plus, the protein from the chicken will keep you feeling full.

It's also a great source of iron.

Honestly? Just enjoy it! Cooking should be fun, and this Italian chicken dinner recipe is all about delicious comfort. Don't stress too much about the numbers. Now, go get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make creamy tuscan chicken and spinach ahead of time? Like, could I be a domestic goddess and prep it on Sunday for the week?

Absolutely! While best served fresh, you can prepare the creamy tuscan chicken and spinach 1-2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Just like a good cuppa, a little extra TLC will make it even better!

Help! My creamy Tuscan chicken and spinach sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it up without it being a total Gordon Ramsay kitchen nightmare?

No worries, even the best of us have sauce mishaps! The easiest way to thicken the sauce is to let it simmer for a few more minutes, uncovered, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry.

Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened, usually just a minute or two. You'll have that sauce as thick as pea soup, or as Goldilocks would say, "just right!".

I'm trying to cut back on calories, but this creamy tuscan chicken and spinach looks too good to resist. Any lighter options?

You can definitely lighten things up! Swap the heavy cream for half and-half or even a lighter cream alternative like coconut cream (though it will slightly alter the flavor). Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese, or use a reduced fat version.

You can also increase the amount of spinach to add more bulk without adding extra calories. Remember, a little indulgence is alright, as long as everything is in moderation!

I don't have sun-dried tomatoes! Is there a good substitute for creamy tuscan chicken and spinach?

Sun-dried tomatoes are key to that Tuscan flavour, but if you're really in a pinch, you can try using roasted red peppers for a similar sweetness and texture. Just make sure they're not marinated in oil you want the flavor, not the extra grease. A splash of tomato paste can also add a bit of depth.

However, bear in mind, the sun-dried tomatoes provide a very specific and unique flavour to the dish.

How long does creamy tuscan chicken and spinach last in the fridge? And can I freeze it?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, creamy Tuscan chicken and spinach should last for 3-4 days. Freezing is possible, but the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, which can impact the texture. If freezing, allow to cool completely before transferring to a freezer safe container.

It can be frozen up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently. The texture might not be quite the same as fresh, but the flavour should still be delicious!

What are some good side dishes to serve with creamy tuscan chicken and spinach? I'm thinking beyond just garlic bread!

Garlic bread is always a winner, but let's branch out! This dish pairs beautifully with pasta (linguine or fettuccine are classic), mashed potatoes, or a simple side of roasted asparagus or green beans.

A light and fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken and spinach. If you're feeling fancy, a glass of Pinot Grigio really elevates the whole meal. Cheers!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Spinach A Taste Of Italy A

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Spinach An Easy Italian Escape Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:15 Mins
Cooking time:25 Mins
Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories450
Fat25g
Fiber0g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineItalian

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