Let’s be honest, figuring out dinner every night can feel like a chore. You want something delicious and satisfying, but you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. I get it completely. That’s where this amazing creamy Tuscan chicken recipe comes in to save the day.
This is one of those easy dinner recipes that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, but it’s secretly so simple to make. We’re talking about juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s pure comfort in a skillet.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this dish a standout? First off, the flavor is just incredible. The sauce is the real star here. It’s creamy, savory, and has a lovely tang from the sun dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It clings to the chicken beautifully.
It’s also incredibly fast. This is one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners because it comes together in about 30 minutes. That makes it a fantastic choice for those hectic days when you need to get a good meal on the table without a lot of fuss.
Cleanup is a breeze too. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash later. Who doesn’t love that? This recipe is a great starting point for home cooks looking for new dinner ideas recipes that are both impressive and manageable.
Finally, it’s really versatile. You can serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles if you’re looking for a lower carb option. It’s a complete meal that feels special enough for guests but is simple enough for a Tuesday night. It truly is one of the best easy dinner recipes to have in your collection.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this wonderful dish. The ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store.
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
For The Cream Sauce
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 to 3 cloves)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon corn starch mixed with 1 teaspoon water (optional, for thickening)
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps for one of the most rewarding easy dinner recipes you’ll ever make. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Prepare And Season The Chicken
First things first, let’s get the chicken ready. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with a piece of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or even a rolling pin, gently flatten the thicker parts of the chicken. This helps them cook more evenly.
Now, in a small bowl, combine the salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture all over both sides of the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy with it!
Step 2: Sear The Chicken
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Let them sear for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully golden brown.
This step is key for developing flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for a moment. This is one of those quick dinner ideas that builds flavor in layers.
Step 3: Make The Creamy Sauce
If you have a lot of browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, now is a great time to deglaze. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water and scrape those bits up. They are packed with flavor!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chopped sun dried tomatoes, shredded Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This mixture is going to become your delicious sauce.
Step 4: Simmer And Finish
Pour the cream sauce mixture into the skillet. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium low.
Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the sauce to thicken slightly. The best way to check is with a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can use the optional corn starch slurry. Just whisk together 1 teaspoon of corn starch with 1 teaspoon of water and stir it into the sauce. It will thicken up quickly.
Finally, stir in the fresh spinach. It will wilt down into the sauce in just a minute or two. And that’s it! Your delicious dinner is ready to serve. This really is one of the top easy weeknight dinners.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool down to room temperature first. Then, place everything in an airtight container.
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick after reheating.
Tips
Want to customize this recipe? Here are a few ideas. Instead of chicken breasts, you can easily use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are very forgiving and stay nice and juicy. Just aim for about 2 pounds of meat.
If you don’t have heavy cream, a lighter cream will work, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. You might want to use the corn starch trick to help it along. This is one of those dinner ideas recipes that is quite flexible.
Not a fan of sun dried tomatoes? Try using roasted red peppers instead for a different, slightly sweeter flavor. They work wonderfully in the creamy sauce. You could also swap the spinach for chopped kale if you prefer.
For serving, this dish is fantastic over a bed of fettuccine or penne pasta. It’s also great with crusty bread for dipping into that amazing sauce. This is one of the most satisfying easy dinner recipes for a reason!
Conclusion
There you have it, a truly wonderful meal that is perfect for any night of the week. This creamy Tuscan chicken proves that easy dinner recipes can be full of flavor and feel a little bit special.
It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress your family or guests, and no one needs to know how little time it actually took. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do. It’s a keeper for sure!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be more tender and flavorful. The cooking time might be slightly longer, so just be sure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
What Should I Serve With This Dish?
This dish is very versatile. It’s traditionally served over pasta to soak up the sauce. It’s also delicious with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of roasted asparagus or broccoli. For a lighter meal, serve it with zucchini noodles.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy Free?
Making this dairy free is possible with a few swaps. You can use a full fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be a tasty option among easy dinner recipes.
Is This One of Those Good Easy Weeknight Dinners for Meal Prep?
Yes, it is! You can make a batch and store it in individual containers in the fridge for a few days. It reheats well, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. It’s one of my favorite quick dinner ideas for this reason.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This comforting creamy Tuscan chicken recipe offers a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s secretly simple to make. Enjoy juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all prepared in one skillet.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare And Season The Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and gently flatten the thicker parts. In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture all over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Sear The Chicken: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make The Creamy Sauce: (Optional: Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or water to scrape up browned bits). In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, shredded Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
- Simmer And Finish: Pour the cream sauce mixture into the skillet. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. If desired, whisk together 1 teaspoon of corn starch with 1 teaspoon of water and stir into the sauce to thicken. Finally, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.
Notes
Want to customize this recipe? Instead of chicken breasts, you can easily use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are very forgiving and stay nice and juicy. Just aim for about 2 pounds of meat.
If you don’t have heavy cream, a lighter cream will work, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. You might want to use the corn starch trick to help it along.
Not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes? Try using roasted red peppers instead for a different, slightly sweeter flavor. You could also swap the spinach for chopped kale if you prefer.
For serving, this dish is fantastic over a bed of fettuccine or penne pasta. It’s also great with crusty bread for dipping into that flavorful sauce.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
