Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce with spinach and cherry tomatoes. This easy skillet recipe combines Italian-inspired ingredients like oregano and lemon for a vibrant and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
Sauce
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165°F, about 8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the tomatoes begin to burst, releasing their juices.
- Add the greens and cream: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until it starts to wilt. Then stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce reduce slightly, about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken.
- Finish and serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook together until the chicken is heated through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Serve each breast with spoonfuls of sauce and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and acidity; grape tomatoes can be substituted.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Fresh basil can be added for an extra herbaceous note.
