Description
This One Pan Tuscan Chicken recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful dinner that's easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich sauce made with garlic, parmesan, spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all served over your favorite pasta for a complete one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning while cooking)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Serving
- Pasta (quantity as desired, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Begin by preparing the pasta according to the package directions to ensure it’s ready by the time your chicken and sauce are done.
- Pound the chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large Ziploc bag and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch or less to promote even cooking.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with about 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, pressed garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Whisk everything together over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly, which takes a few minutes.
- Add vegetables and finish: Stir in the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking for a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy sauce and veggies.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Tuscan chicken over the cooked pasta, spooning extra sauce and vegetables on top. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Add more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Using fresh parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
