Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a staple Italian-American comfort food dish. Featuring golden seared chicken breasts bathed in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach, this restaurant-quality meal comes together in under thirty minutes in a single skillet.

Ingredients You Will Need

1. Chicken and Seasoning

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into thin cutlets)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

2. Tuscan Cream Sauce

• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken cutlets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Lightly dredge each cutlet in flour and shake off any excess. This seals in moisture and helps thicken the cream sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

1. Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

1. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon.
2. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Chicken

1. Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fully wilted.
2. Return the seared chicken cutlets and any accumulated juices back into the skillet.
3. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2 minutes before removing from heat.

Pro Tips for Perfect Tuscan Chicken

• Serving Suggestions: Serve over cooked fettuccine, penne, garlic mashed potatoes, or alongside a warm slice of crusty Italian bread.
• Cheese Selection: Always grate fresh block Parmesan cheese yourself. Pre-shredded packaged cheeses contain anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt.
• Low-Carb Friendly: For a keto or low-carb meal option, serve this dish over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.