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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, basil, thyme) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. They enhance the taste of your dish. Fresh garlic gives a strong aroma you cannot get from dried. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and crunch. Using ripe cherry tomatoes adds sweetness that makes the sauce pop. Always choose high-quality ingredients for the best results. For this dish, I love using dried Italian herbs. They bring warmth and depth to the sauce. You can also mix your own herbs. Try adding some oregano, basil, or thyme. If you want more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works great. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They add a burst of flavor right before serving. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Sprinkle the seasonings on all sides. This adds taste as the chicken cooks. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. Carefully place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color. Use a meat thermometer for safety; the chicken should reach 165°F. Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir it continuously to avoid burning. Next, pour in the heavy cream. Stir as it gently simmers. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and makes a creamy sauce. Add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Stir gently until the spinach wilts. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices into the sauce. This makes the sauce even richer. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This ensures the chicken heats through. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and flavor to your dish. To make the best creamy garlic Tuscan chicken, start with good chicken. Use fresh, boneless, skinless breasts. Season them well with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. This adds flavor right away. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown, about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done. The inside should be 165°F. One big mistake is overcooking the chicken. It can dry out quickly. Also, don’t rush the sauce. Let the garlic cook until it’s fragrant but not burnt. If you add the cream too fast, it won’t mix well. Stir slowly to blend the cream and cheese into a smooth sauce. Lastly, remember to add the spinach and tomatoes at the right time. You want them tender but not mushy. Herbs can make a huge difference. Fresh basil is a must for garnish. It adds a bright flavor. You can also try fresh thyme or parsley. For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This will elevate your dish and impress your guests. Pro Tips Properly Season Your Chicken: Make sure to season the chicken breasts thoroughly on both sides to enhance the flavor. This step is crucial for a deliciously seasoned dish. Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the garlic to sauté until fragrant, but be cautious not to burn it. A well-prepared sauce is the backbone of this dish. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes will give the dish a vibrant flavor and texture, elevating your creamy sauce to the next level. Garnish with Purpose: Adding fresh basil not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich sauce beautifully. {{image_4}} If you want to switch the chicken, you have options. Try using turkey breasts. They cook similarly and taste great too. For a lighter choice, consider using fish, like salmon or tilapia. These cook quickly and soak up flavors well. You can also use tofu for a plant-based version. Just press it first to remove excess moisture. This will help it absorb the sauce. Adding more veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Try bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Zucchini or yellow squash also works well; just slice them thin. You can add mushrooms for an earthy taste. For a pop of color, use carrots or snap peas. Almost any vegetable can fit in this dish. Just remember to cook them until tender. The sauce can change based on your taste. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. This gives a creamy texture without all the fat. You could also try a tomato-based sauce for a different flavor. A splash of white wine can add a nice depth. If you want spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Experiment and find your perfect sauce! Store leftover creamy garlic Tuscan chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date you made it. This helps you remember when to eat it. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through. Make sure it is heated all the way through. You can freeze creamy garlic Tuscan chicken if you want to save it for later. Let it cool completely before freezing. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible. It will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above. You can tell if the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken will be golden-brown on the outside and no longer pink inside. Cut into the thickest part to see if it’s fully cooked. If the juices run clear, it’s ready to serve. Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. For cheese, use a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast. This will change the flavor slightly but still keep it creamy. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - Rice or quinoa - Pasta tossed in olive oil - A fresh green salad These sides add variety and balance to your meal. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm in a skillet over low heat. You can also use the microwave but stir often to keep the sauce creamy. Add a bit of water or broth if it looks too thick. Absolutely! You can use fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme. Each herb will add its own unique taste. Try mixing different herbs for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust the amount so that it doesn’t overpower the dish. This blog post covered the key steps for making a tasty Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken. We discussed the importance of fresh ingredients, spices, and how to prepare and cook chicken. You learned tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. We also explored variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. In conclusion, with practice, you will make this dish perfectly every time. Enjoy the process and have fun cooking!

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken

A rich and creamy chicken dish with garlic, spinach, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning all sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the dried Italian herbs.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden-brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Creamy Mixture: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as it comes to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely.
  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach into the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
  • Combine: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, serve on a bed of mashed potatoes or alongside roasted vegetables.
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, spinach, Tuscan