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Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken

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This Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken features juicy seared chicken breasts in a rich, velvety sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. It’s an easy, restaurant-worthy dinner perfect for romantic occasions or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs, pounded to even thickness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter sauce)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (oil-packed, drained)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness)
  • Fresh lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness if needed. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let rest while prepping other ingredients.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side (10-12 minutes total), until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add a splash of olive oil or butter if the pan is dry. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil).
  5. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2-3 minutes to thicken, or add more broth if too thick.
  6. Add baby spinach and stir until wilted (about 1 minute). Add half the fresh basil.
  7. Return chicken (and any juices) to the skillet, nestling into the sauce. Simmer 2-3 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken.
  8. Garnish with remaining basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with plenty of sauce.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and don’t rush the garlic—burnt garlic can overpower the dish. If the sauce splits, whisk in a splash of cream. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. For a lighter version, use half-and-half and skip the butter. This dish is naturally gluten-free; pair with gluten-free sides if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, tuscan chicken, valentine's dinner, romantic dinner, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, Italian chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, spinach chicken, parmesan chicken

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/creamy-garlic-tuscan-chicken-recipe-best-valentines-dinner-idea/