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To make creamy Tuscan garlic chicken, you'll need a few key ingredients that blend rich flavors. Here’s what you should gather: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in creating that amazing taste. The chicken gives it protein. Olive oil and butter help with cooking and flavor. Garlic adds a nice kick. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, while spinach adds freshness. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese make the dish creamy and rich. Italian seasoning ties everything together. Finally, salt and pepper balance the flavors, and basil adds a lovely touch on top. Gather these items, and you're ready to make a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Seasoning the chicken breasts Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle it on both sides. This adds great flavor. 2. Searing the chicken in the skillet Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. 1. Sautéing garlic and tomatoes In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until you smell it. Then, add halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they soften. 2. Adding spinach and cream to the mixture Next, stir in fresh spinach. Cook until it wilts down. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will create a rich base. 1. Incorporating Parmesan cheese Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir it in continuously until it melts. The sauce should become creamy and smooth. Taste it and add salt and pepper if needed. 2. Combining chicken with sauce for serving Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This step keeps it safe and juicy. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken. It should be white, not pink. For the sauce, the key is to find the right thickness. After adding the cream, let it simmer. This helps it thicken nicely. If it’s too thin, cook it longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Using fresh herbs makes a big difference. Basil is great for a fresh taste. You can chop it and sprinkle it on just before serving. You can also try fresh parsley or oregano for added flavor. Adjusting spice levels is easy. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. For a milder flavor, skip the flakes or use less seasoning. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Pro Tips Perfectly Sear Your Chicken: To achieve a golden-brown crust, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps to lock in the juices and flavor. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish with vibrant flavors and textures. Adjust Creamy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. For a lighter sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or reduce the amount of cream. Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil not only adds flavor but also enhances the dish's presentation. Consider adding a sprinkle of additional Parmesan for an extra touch of richness. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Shrimp works great here. Just cook it until it turns pink. Tofu is an excellent choice for a meat-free version. Press the tofu to remove extra water. Then, cube it and cook until golden for a nice texture. Feel free to change up the veggies. Mushrooms add a rich taste. Sauté them with garlic for more depth. Bell peppers bring a nice crunch and sweetness. You can use any color you like. If you're looking for a lighter dish, try cream alternatives. Coconut milk gives a sweet twist. Greek yogurt can add creaminess, too. Just stir it in at the end to avoid curdling. These swaps keep the dish tasty while lightening it up. To store creamy Tuscan garlic chicken, first let it cool. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Refrigerate the container within two hours. The chicken stays good for up to three days. When storing, try to separate the chicken from the sauce. This helps prevent the chicken from getting too soggy. If you want, you can also freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for this. In the freezer, it lasts for about three months. When reheating creamy Tuscan garlic chicken, I recommend using the stovetop. This method helps keep the sauce creamy. Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. Heat until warm, about 5-7 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Put the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely with a lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes. Check and stir in between to ensure it heats evenly. For the best flavor, avoid overheating. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce rich. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time! You can serve creamy Tuscan garlic chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Pasta: A simple spaghetti or fettuccine pairs well. - Rice: Try white rice, brown rice, or even risotto. - Salad: A green salad with a light dressing adds freshness. - Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette can soak up the sauce. These sides make the meal complete and add balance to your plate. Yes, you can make creamy Tuscan garlic chicken ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then let it cool. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally to keep it creamy. You can also add a splash of cream to refresh the sauce. Creamy Tuscan garlic chicken can be part of a healthy diet. It has protein from chicken and vitamins from spinach. To make it healthier, consider these tips: - Use low-fat cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. - Add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrients. - Serve with whole grains instead of white pasta or rice. These changes help you enjoy the dish while keeping it nutritious. You learned how to make creamy Tuscan garlic chicken with simple ingredients and steps. We covered tips for cooking and flavoring this dish. You can swap proteins or veggies to suit your taste. Storing leftovers? We shared the best ways to keep them fresh. This dish is easy to customize, and it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients and make it your own!

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with garlic, spinach, and tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • leaves fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until it melts and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them to coat evenly, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Once everything is heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, Italian, Tuscan