Go Back
To create a creamy garlic Tuscan chicken, gather these tasty ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. - Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a lighter option. - If you are out of cherry tomatoes, any tomato works. - Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or arugula. Choosing the best ingredients makes a big difference. Here are my tips: - Chicken: Look for bright pink, firm chicken. Avoid any that look gray or have an odor. - Garlic: Pick heads that are firm and dry. Avoid any that are sprouting. - Tomatoes: Choose tomatoes that are bright and slightly soft. They should smell sweet. - Spinach: Get fresh spinach with vibrant green leaves. Avoid yellow or wilting leaves. - Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan, as it melts better than pre-grated. With these tips, you can make sure your creamy garlic Tuscan chicken is full of flavor! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, take your chicken breasts and pat them dry. This step helps the chicken brown nicely. Next, season both sides with Italian seasoning, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Make sure to cover the chicken well to boost the flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When done, remove the chicken and keep it warm by covering it with foil. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring often. You want it to smell nice but not turn brown. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. Now, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to mix everything well. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer while stirring until it thickens slightly. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the pan and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes. The chicken will soak up the rich flavors of the sauce. To cook chicken perfectly, start with dry chicken breasts. Pat them with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides well. Use Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Aim for a golden brown color. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and juicy. To boost the flavor, add fresh garlic to the pan. Sauté it for about a minute until fragrant. Make sure not to burn it, as burnt garlic can ruin the taste. Add cherry tomatoes and spinach next. These ingredients not only add color but also a fresh taste. The tomatoes will soften and release juices. When you pour in the cream and stir in Parmesan, the sauce becomes rich and creamy. This combination creates a lovely depth of flavor that makes your dish shine. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Always check the time and temperature. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Seasoning is key for flavor. Also, don’t rush the sauce. Allow it to simmer gently. This helps the flavors meld together. Lastly, avoid using low-quality ingredients. Fresh, high-quality items make a big difference in taste. Always choose the best for your meals. Pro Tips Brining for Juiciness: Soaking chicken breasts in a saltwater brine for 30 minutes before cooking helps to keep them juicy and flavorful. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic, tomatoes, and spinach will enhance the overall flavor of the dish significantly compared to dried or canned ingredients. Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce isn't thickening to your liking, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce, allowing it to simmer for a few more minutes. Perfect Pairings: Serve this dish with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the creamy sauce. {{image_4}} You can make this dish lighter without losing flavor. Here are some swaps: - Chicken: Use skinless chicken thighs for more moisture. - Cream: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk. - Cheese: Try using reduced-fat Parmesan for fewer calories. - Oil: Replace olive oil with a cooking spray to cut back on fat. These swaps keep the meal tasty while making it healthier. Adding more veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Consider these options: - Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers for sweetness and crunch. - Zucchini: Toss in zucchini for a mild flavor and added fiber. - Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms for a savory touch. - Broccoli: Add broccoli florets for a hearty bite. Feel free to mix and match based on your favorites! This dish pairs well with various sides. Here are some ideas: - Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta to soak up the sauce. - Rice: Use fluffy rice for a filling base. - Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the creamy sauce. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and lightness. These choices enhance the meal and make it more enjoyable. You can store leftover creamy garlic Tuscan chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure the chicken is cooled before sealing it. This helps keep the sauce creamy and tasty. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Slice the chicken into pieces for easy use. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the stove for the best results. Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to warm it through. You can add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Microwaving is quicker but may change the texture. If you choose this method, heat it in short bursts and stir often. Enjoy your meal as if it were fresh! You can serve Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken with various sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - Cooked pasta to soak up the sauce - Fluffy rice for a filling base - A fresh green salad for a light touch - Roasted vegetables for added flavor These sides add taste and balance to the meal. Each option pairs well and makes your plate colorful and inviting. Yes, you can use other meats. Here are some ideas: - Turkey breast for a lean option - Pork chops for a different flavor - Shrimp for a seafood twist - Tofu for a plant-based choice Each meat will change the dish's taste. Be sure to adjust cooking times based on what you use. Making Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken dairy-free is easy. Follow these tips: - Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk - Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese - Look for dairy-free cheese for a creamy texture These swaps keep the dish rich and creamy without dairy. Enjoy the flavors without worry! This post covered all you need to make Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken. We reviewed the ingredients, shared tips for selecting fresh ones, and provided ways to switch ingredients for a healthier meal. The step-by-step guide ensures you cook perfect chicken and a tasty sauce. With tricks to avoid common mistakes, you’ll enhance your cooking skills. Finally, storage tips help keep your meal fresh. Remember, cooking is about enjoying the process and flavor. Happy cooking, and may your meals always impress!

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Delight

A rich and flavorful chicken dish cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with cherry tomatoes and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure browning. Generously season both sides with Italian seasoning, along with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for enhanced flavor.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts carefully. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm by covering with foil or placing it on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
  • Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
  • Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the cream. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer while continually stirring until it thickens slightly.
  • Carefully return the cooked chicken to the pan, nestling it among the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
  • Remove from heat and enhance with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. Serve the creamy garlic Tuscan chicken warm, generously spooning extra sauce over the chicken for added deliciousness.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, garlic, Tuscan