Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes Spinach

Craving Italian Tonight? (Spoiler: Chicken is Involved!)

Fancy some proper Italian dinner entrees tonight? I know, I know, takeaway menus are tempting. But trust me, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken will blow your mind.

It's way easier than you think and tastes like you've been slaving away all day. Honestly, it's one of my all-time favourite Italian chicken recipes .

Tuscan Sun on Your Plate: What's the Deal?

This dish is inspired by the flavours of Tuscany, Italy. We're talking sunshine and rolling hills. It's easy Italian dinner recipes that will be ready in under an hour.

This recipe will feed 4 hungry people. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a casual weekend dinner.

Why You'll Love This Dish (Beyond the Taste)

One of the best things about this recipe is that it combines flavour with health. Chicken is a great source of protein, and spinach packs a punch of vitamins.

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is perfect for a family dinner, date night, or just when you need some serious Italian comfort food recipes .

What makes it special? The sun-dried tomatoes add a real depth of flavour and the cream makes everything taste so good! And, with the right wine pairing, it goes from a simple meal into a really special night.

Gather Your Goodies

Time to get your ingredients sorted. It might sound a little fancy, but I promise, you probably have most of this stuff already. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken!

Let's dive into what you'll need to make this incredible dish. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. You'll be so impressed with yourself when you see how easily it all comes together.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of Tuscany on Your Plate

Okay, so 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each, 170-225g ) are the stars here. Get decent ones.

Not the super watery, pumped-up kind. You want chicken that actually tastes like chicken. Then, you'll need 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml) to sear them to golden perfection.

For the sauce, you need 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml) . Garlic is life, so 2 cloves , minced, are essential.

After, we're talking 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml) for deglazing the pan, the secret to a flavorful sauce. 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml) makes it, well, creamy, and 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes , oil-packed, drained and chopped (approximately 35g ), those are our sun-kissed darlings.

Next, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (approximately 25g ) for that umami kick, and 5 ounces fresh spinach , roughly chopped (approx 140g ).

Finally, the unsung hero, 1 tablespoon butter (15g) , for that extra touch of richness. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste!

This ingredient list is just the beginning to amazing Italian dinner entrees . Get ready to explore Italian chicken recipes !

Seasoning Notes: Elevate Your Flavors

Italian seasoning ( 1 teaspoon, 5 ml ) is a must for the chicken. You know, that classic blend of herbs that just screams "Italy"? If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Honestly, a little spice makes everything better. Sun-dried tomatoes bring this beautiful savory sweetness, making this dish stand out from other easy Italian dinner recipes.

If you're out of Italian seasoning, don't stress! A mix of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme works just fine.

Just remember, fresh herbs always pack a bigger punch. This recipe stands out compared to other chicken breast recipes Italian .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

All you really need is a large skillet (12 inch recommended) . If you're fancy, a meat mallet helps to even out the chicken.

But honestly, a rolling pin works just as well. Tongs are great for flipping chicken, and obviously, you'll need measuring cups and spoons.

Don't sweat it if you don't have the exact tools. A smaller skillet will work, just sear the chicken in batches.

No meat mallet? No problem. Just be mindful of the thickness. With the correct ingredients and equipment, you will be able to dive in to Italian comfort food recipes in the comfort of your home.

This Authentic Italian chicken entree is bound to become a family favourite when you make it for weeknight Italian dinners .

Let's Get Cooking: Creamy Tuscan Chicken!

Oh my gosh, you guys have to try this! We're diving headfirst into Italian dinner entrees tonight. Think beyond your basic spaghetti and meatballs.

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken will blow your mind! Honestly, it's become a staple in my house. Even picky eaters love it!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Moment

First things first, get organized. Chop your spinach, measure out your spices, and mince that garlic. It makes the cooking process so much smoother.

A little prep goes a long way. Trust me! Make sure you pound those chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick.

It will help them cook evenly! This ensures the chicken is cooked to perfection.

Making Magic: step-by-step

Alright, let's get cooking.

1. Season your chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning , salt, and pepper. Simple, right?
2. Sear those babies in a hot skillet with olive oil for 5- 7 minutes per side . You want a nice golden brown color. Aim for an internal temp of 165° F/ 74° C .
3. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for just 1 minute . You want it fragrant, not burnt!
4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up those browned bits. That's where the flavor lives!
5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer for 2- 3 minutes until it thickens into a beautiful, creamy sauce.
6. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until that spinach wilts. About 2 minutes .
7. Place the chicken back in the skillet.
8. Simmer everything together for another 2- 3 minutes . This lets the chicken soak up all that amazing flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste!

Pro Tips for Italian chicken recipes

Want to level up your Italian comfort food recipes ? Here are a few tricks.

First, don't overcrowd the pan when searing. Doing that will steam and not sear the chicken. If you're doing more than 4 chicken breasts, do it in batches.

Also, don't overcook the chicken. I remember overcooking the chicken. It was as dry as the sahara! Also, if you are trying to make it a weeknight Italian dinners , you can prep the chicken ahead of time.

And for those wanting a dairy-free adaptation you can substitute the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk.

The Perfect Italian Dinner Entrees

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is seriously amazing. It's an easy Italian dinner recipe that feels fancy. The sun-dried tomato chicken and spinach combination is divine.

And you can get it on the table fast! Pair it with pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp white wine.

You've got yourself a restaurant worthy meal right at home. I hope you feel like an authentic Italian chicken entree chef! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Right then, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for this lovely Creamy Tuscan Chicken . Honestly, these are the things that can really elevate your dish.

It's the tiny changes that make a big difference. You know?

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!

Think about how you serve up this Italian chicken recipes . It makes all the difference. A swirl of creamy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta looks the business.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil. Now that's fancy. Serve it with crusty bread. Dip that bread right into the sauce.

Chef's kiss ! A crisp Pinot Grigio? Ideal! This isn't just food, it's an experience.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop them in the fridge in an airtight container. They will be good for 3-4 days .

Reheating is easy peasy. Microwave it, or gently warm it in a pan on the hob. Don't let it dry out.

I don't recommend freezing this bad boy, because the cream sauce may separate. It won't be the same.

Variations: Making it Your Own

This sun-dried tomato chicken is a blank canvas. Need it dairy-free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Boom! Dietary adaptation achieved.

Want to bring a bit of autumnal charm? Butternut squash instead of spinach. You can swap out the chicken for salmon.

Think of it as your culinary playground!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Okay, quick rundown. Each serving's got around 450-550 calories . Loads of protein. Hello, chicken! Some healthy fats from the cream.

Win-win! Plus, spinach? Vitamins galore. A delicious and nutritious Italian dinner entrees ? Yes, please! If you're aiming for Easy Italian dinner recipes , this is right up there.

Now, off you go and give it a whirl! Don't be afraid to get stuck in. With this recipe for Italian comfort food recipes , you'll have a delicious weeknight Italian dinners on the table with minimal fuss.

I promise you will find the Authentic Italian chicken entree that you are looking for. I'm sure you will nail it.

Happy cooking, folks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Creamy Tuscan Chicken a tricky recipe to make? I'm not exactly a culinary genius!

Don't worry, you don't need to be Nigella Lawson to make this! While it looks fancy, our Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is designed for cooks of all levels. Just follow the steps carefully, and you'll have a restaurant quality Italian dinner entrees on the table in no time.

Remember, even Jamie Oliver had to start somewhere!

Can I make this Creamy Tuscan Chicken ahead of time, like a proper Sunday roast?

You can definitely prep some components in advance! You can pound and season the chicken ahead of time, and chop all your veggies. However, for the best results, it's best to make the sauce and cook the chicken closer to serving time.

This ensures the chicken stays juicy and the sauce remains creamy, rather than splitting.

I'm trying to cut down on dairy are there any dairy-free alternatives I can use in this recipe?

Absolutely! For a dairy-free version of this Italian dinner entrees dish, swap out the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk or cashew cream. These options will still give you a rich and creamy sauce. You can also use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, or simply omit it for a lighter dish.

My family isn't a huge fan of spinach. Can I substitute it with something else in this Italian dinner entrees recipe?

No problem! If spinach isn't your thing, you can easily swap it out with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as kale and Swiss chard may take a little longer to wilt. You could even use some sliced mushrooms for a heartier, earthier flavour!

How long will leftovers of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken last, and what's the best way to store them?

Leftovers of this delicious chicken dish will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium low heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.

The sauce is a bit too thin. How can I thicken it up?

No worries, a thin sauce is an easy fix. Create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Alternatively, you can continue simmering the sauce for a few more minutes, allowing it to reduce naturally.