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Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe Easy 30-Minute Dinner

creamy tuscan garlic chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy creamy Tuscan garlic chicken breast recipe with sun-dried tomato sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce made from cream, Parmesan, and fresh spinach.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained but keep some oil)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary blend)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (about 60 g)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Let rest for about 5 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet until butter foams and oil shimmers (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add chicken breasts to the pan in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside on a warm plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, avoiding burning the garlic.
  5. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce becomes creamy. Add 2 cups fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Nestle chicken breasts back into the sauce, spooning sauce over each. Simmer together for 2 more minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
  8. Taste sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over chicken. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Keep heat medium when sautéing garlic to prevent burning. Pat chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear. Stir Parmesan in off or low heat to avoid clumping. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition; substitute with arugula or kale in summer or colder months respectively.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy garlic chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner, creamy chicken breast