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Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach – Quick Recipes for Dinner

Alright, picture this: you come home after a long day, and the aroma of garlicky, creamy goodness fills your kitchen. That’s exactly what happens when I make this Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach all mingling together in the best way possible. Plus, it comes together so quickly, it’s basically magic. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for those nights when you want something fancy but don’t want to spend hours cooking. Ready to wow your taste buds and maybe impress a few people too? Let’s dive in!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped

For the Sauce / Garnish:

1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate—don’t worry if it looks slightly underdone; it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 2:

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful, garlic burns fast! Then add the cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes, letting them soften and release their vibrant color and sweetness for a couple of minutes.

Step 3:

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir everything well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating that luscious, creamy texture you’re aiming for.

Step 4:

Now, add the fresh spinach directly into the sauce. It might look like a lot at first, but spinach wilts quickly. Stir gently and watch as it turns a beautiful deep green and softens, melding perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Step 5:

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top, cover the pan, and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes. This final step ensures the chicken absorbs those Tuscan flavors fully.

Step 6:

Give one last taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves if you have them on hand—this adds a fresh, herbal note that’s just lovely. Serve immediately and get ready for compliments!

Variations & Tips

Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as rich.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
To skip the sun-dried tomatoes, double the cherry tomatoes—fresh is always nice.
For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle more Parmesan on top when serving.
Chicken thighs work beautifully here too and stay juicy.

How I Like to Serve It

This creamy Tuscan chicken pairs wonderfully with warm garlic mashed potatoes, buttery linguine, or even over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. In cooler months, it’s perfect comfort food, but honestly, it’s good any time you crave something cozy and flavorful. Throw in a simple side salad for a fresh contrast, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating.

Closing: This recipe always hits the spot because it combines quick cooking with decadent flavors — a true winner any night of the week!