30 Minute Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Sometimes, the best meals stem from a little inspiration and an empty fridge. That was certainly the case when this Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe found its way into my kitchen. I vividly recall a rainy evening, looking for comfort food that felt fancy but was quick enough not to disrupt my couch time. Enter this luscious dish, bursting with flavor and effortlessly satisfying—it instantly became a staple in my weeknight rotation.

Flavors from the sun-soaked streets of Tuscany embrace tender chicken, creamy sauces, and vibrant toppings in this delightful dish. It’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about creating an experience. Picture yourself savoring each bite, brought together by garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a kiss of white wine—sheer paradise on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So, what makes this recipe so irresistible? First, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Yes, you heard me right! It’s the perfect solution for those frantic weeknights when time isn’t on your side, yet you crave something exceptionally delicious. The tender chicken enveloped in a creamy, garlicky sauce, adorned with vibrant spinach and sweet, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, brings a touch of joy to your table.

Another delightful element is the customizability! Don’t have half-and-half? Swap it for cream or even cottage cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. Want to amp up the veggie quotient? Toss in some bell peppers or mushrooms. The creamy sauce brings everything together, and trust me, you’ll want to dip your last piece of crusty bread into it like it’s your last meal on earth.

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s dive into the treasures you’ll be showcasing on your countertop:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast: The star of the show! Slicing them thinly not only speeds up cooking but promotes absorption of all those delicious flavors.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil adds depth, although if you have oil from sun-dried tomatoes, that’s an excellent swap for even more flavor.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning + 2 teaspoons: This aromatic blend is essential; it’ll dance through your dish, elevating every bite with those classic Tuscan dimensions.

• Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper: Never shy away from seasoning! These little nuggets elevate flavor and balance the creaminess of the sauce.

• 5 cloves garlic, minced: Can you even have Tuscan anything without garlic? I think not! Minced fresh garlic is a game-changer.

• 2 tablespoons white wine: Deglazing with white wine not only lifts sweet notes from the bottom of the pan but adds sophistication to the sauce. A dry white works best—think Chardonnay.

• 1.5 cups half and half: This creamy wonder is key to achieving that decadent sauce. Substitutions here can dry things out—stick with this for the dreamiest results.

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: A generous handful of this cheesy delight thickens the sauce while adding salty, nutty notes.

• 2 cups baby spinach: The nutrient powerhouse that sneaks in without overwhelming the dish. Plus, it wilts beautifully into that luscious cream.

• 1/4 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed): Locks in that sweet-tangy essence while building texture and depth of flavor.

• 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar: Just a touch of acidity works wonders to brighten the entire dish, balancing the richness of the sauce.

How This Recipe Comes Together

Ready to whip this up? Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

1. Prep your chicken: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. While it warms up, slice your chicken breast lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. This will ensure they cook faster and more evenly.

2. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and a generous sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper. Make sure every piece gets its fair share of seasoning.

3. Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan, letting it sizzle and brown for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nearly cooked through. Then, remove them to a plate—don’t worry, we’ll finish cooking them later!

4. Create the sauce: In the same pan, lower the heat to medium-low and add a tablespoon of oil. Throw in the minced garlic, the extra 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper—cook everything for about a minute; trust me, the aroma will be heavenly.

5. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping the delightful bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where the magic happens!

6. Make it creamy: Stir in the half-and-half and let it come to a gentle simmer. As it reduces, continue stirring frequently for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit.

7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into your dreamy sauce.

8. Incorporate the greens and tomatoes: Toss in the fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and white balsamic vinegar. Season to your liking—this is your moment to taste and play!

9. Finish cooking the chicken: Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and let everything simmer on low for another 2-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.

10. Garnish and serve: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds that final touch. Voilà! Serve it over pasta, rice, or just on its own if you want to hug the flavors directly.

Best Way to Enjoy It

So, how do you serve this beauty? The classic combo is tossing it over a warm bed of fettuccine or spaghetti. Feeling a bit Mediterranean? A side of garlic bread and a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements this dish perfectly. For a heartier feel, consider cornbread or a fluffy biscuit to wipe up that creamy sauce—trust me, you don’t want to leave a single drop behind.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Now, let’s get a little practical with storage. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or plan for meal prep), let your chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish, though keep in mind that the sauce may separate a bit upon reheating. Just give it a gentle stir once reheated, and it’ll come back to life.

Pro Chef Tips

• For added depth, consider toasting the Italian seasoning in the pan with the oil before adding garlic. It’s like waking those spices up!
• If you’re in a rush, consider cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces instead of slicing it thinly; just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
• Feel free to adjust the garlic to your taste. Love it? Go up to seven cloves!

Flavor Swaps

Got a flair for experimenting? Here are some creative twists:

• Swap out the Parmesan for another cheese like Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick—Tuscan food loves a bit of spice!
• For a non-dairy option, substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk (however, it will change the flavor).

FAQs

1. How long does it take to make this dish?

   • This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish!

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

   • Yes! Make it ahead and reheat, though the sauce may separate slightly. Stir gently when reheating.

3. What can I substitute for white wine?

   • If you’re avoiding alcohol, chicken broth or even a splash of lemon juice can work as a deglazer.

4. Any dietary modifications I should know about?

   • Yes! You could use almond milk instead of half-and-half for a lighter version; just remember it won’t be as creamy.

5. What sides pair best with this dish?

   • Garlic bread, a simple salad, or a side of sautéed veggies can all elevate your meal!

The beauty of cooking is that it inspires creativity and brings people together. Embrace this enchanting Creamy Tuscan Chicken—whether you whip it up for a surprise guest or a cozy night in, it’s bound to become a lasting favorite. So, roll up those sleeves, connect with your ingredients, and set off on a culinary adventure. You’ve got this!

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30 Minute Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Main Course, Weeknight Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy High Protein Non Vegetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Cooking Temp: medium-high  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 450

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a quick and delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes. This dish features tender chicken in a luscious creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, embodying the essence of Tuscany.

Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (Sliced thinly for faster cooking.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (Good quality adds depth to the dish.)
• 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning (Essential for flavor.)
• to taste Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper (For seasoning.)
• 5 cloves garlic (Minced.)
• 2 tablespoons white wine (Deglaze the pan.)
• 1.5 cups half and half (Substitute for cream or cottage cheese if desired.)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (For creaminess and flavor.)
• 2 cups baby spinach (Wilts beautifully into the sauce.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup sun-dried tomatoes (Julienne-cut.)
• 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar (Adds brightness.)

Cooking Instructions

Preparation

1. Prepare the chicken

   Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Slice the chicken breast lengthwise into thinner pieces.
   This will speed up cooking and allow better flavor absorption.
   Mark as complete

2. Season the chicken

   In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and pepper.
   Ensure even coating for flavor.
   Mark as complete

3. Cook the chicken

   Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until nearly cooked through.
   Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   Mark as complete

4. Create the sauce

   Lower heat to medium-low, add oil, then stir in the garlic and remaining Italian seasoning for about a minute.
   The aroma will enhance the dish.
   Mark as complete

5. Deglaze the pan

   Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift the flavorful bits.
   This step is key for flavor.
   Mark as complete

6. Make it creamy

   Stir in the half-and-half and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until thickened.
   Mark as complete

7. Add the cheese

   Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
   Mark as complete

8. Incorporate spinach and tomatoes

   Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and white balsamic vinegar, seasoning to taste.
   Mark as complete

9. Finish cooking the chicken

   Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and let simmer on low for another 2-4 minutes until cooked through.
   Mark as complete

10. Garnish and serve

    Serve over pasta, rice, or on its own. Enjoy with garlic bread or salad.
    Sprinkle fresh parsley for garnish.
    Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 28g44%

Saturated Fat 14g70%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 5g2%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 40g80%

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Vitamin A 1000 IU

Vitamin C 18 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.15 mg

Riboflavin 0.45 mg

Niacin 10 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 30 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 500 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For flavor swaps, experiment with different cheeses and add spices as desired.

Keywords: Tuscan, chicken, creamy, quick meal, dinner, comfort food