Description
Tuscan chicken delivers an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey with tender chicken bathed in a rich, herb-infused cream sauce. Elegant ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight indulgence you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- ½ cup (75 grams) sundried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (15 grams) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even seasoning.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for complete cooking.
- Transfer perfectly seared chicken to a clean plate, letting it rest while preparing the sauce.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and add finely chopped garlic, stirring continuously for about 60 seconds until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Pour in heavy cream (35% milkfat), low-sodium chicken broth, and authentic Italian seasoning blend, whisking to create a smooth, unified sauce.
- Allow sauce to gently simmer, then incorporate sundried tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese melts completely.
- Reintroduce chicken breasts into the creamy sauce, allowing them to absorb flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Add fresh baby spinach leaves, folding them into the sauce until they just begin to wilt but retain their vibrant green color.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with delicate fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Achieve golden-brown perfection by cooking chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Create a rich, velvety sauce by sautéing garlic briefly before adding cream, broth, and seasonings, which builds layers of deep flavor.
- Enhance the dish’s Mediterranean essence with sundried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, providing a tangy and umami boost to the creamy base.
- Wilt fresh spinach at the last moment to maintain its vibrant green color and delicate texture, adding a nutritious element to the meal.
- Elevate presentation by garnishing with fresh basil, which introduces a bright, aromatic finish that complements the creamy sauce.
- Opt for chicken breasts at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and more consistent results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg