Weeknight Tuscan Chicken Easy Creamy and Delicious Recipe

Introduction

Tired of the same old weeknight dinner routine? Do you ever wonder if it’s actually possible to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen after a long day? The answer is a resounding YES! This Weeknight Tuscan Chicken recipe is designed to bust the myth that delicious means difficult and time-consuming. We are here to bring you the joy of cooking into your home!

Forget spending hours slaving over a hot stove. This recipe is incredibly easy, bursting with flavor, and comes together in a fraction of the time compared to traditional Tuscan Chicken dishes. The incredible thing is it is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, perfect for a weeknight family dinner.

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a culinary experience that brings the warmth and rustic charm of Tuscany right to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through creating a dish that’s both impressive and incredibly satisfying. From the rich, creamy sauce to the tender, juicy chicken, every bite is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

What makes this Weeknight Tuscan Chicken so special? It is the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. It’s a family-friendly meal that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be adapted to your dietary needs and preferences. So, get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a touch of Tuscan magic!

Why You’ll Love This Weeknight Tuscan Chicken

This Weeknight Tuscan Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a delicious and home-cooked meal.
• Incredible Flavor: The creamy Tuscan sauce, infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this dish! The creamy sauce and tender chicken are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your dietary needs and preferences. Swap out ingredients, add your favorite veggies, or adjust the spice level to create a dish that’s perfect for you.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a nutritious and satisfying meal that you can feel good about serving your family.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a win! This recipe can be made entirely in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Weeknight Tuscan Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Substitutions:

• Chicken: Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you can use dry-packed, but rehydrate them in warm water for about 10 minutes before using.
• Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut cream (for a dairy-free version).
• Spinach: Kale or other leafy greens can be substituted for spinach.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative for Parmesan cheese.

How to Make Weeknight Tuscan Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Ensuring the chicken is dry helps it to sear properly, creating a nice golden crust.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The goal here isn’t to cook the chicken through, but to develop a nice crust that adds flavor and texture to the final dish.
3. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This process, called deglazing, adds a ton of flavor to the sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for a few minutes.
5. Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Return Chicken to Skillet: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is properly cooked.
8. Serve: Serve the Weeknight Tuscan Chicken immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh spinach, good quality Parmesan cheese, and oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best results.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Variations:

• Vegan Tuscan Chicken: Substitute the chicken with sliced tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Gluten-Free Tuscan Chicken: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and Parmesan cheese to ensure it remains gluten-free.
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Serve the Tuscan chicken over your favorite pasta for a complete and satisfying meal. Cook the pasta according to package directions and toss it with the creamy Tuscan sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Weeknight Tuscan Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, for a hearty and satisfying meal. Check out this creamy, easy crockpot pasta recipe.
• Rice: Serve with steamed rice or risotto for a simple and elegant meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and delicious side dish.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious Tuscan sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy chicken.

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover Weeknight Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezer: You can also freeze the leftovers for longer storage. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to cover the dish to prevent splattering.

FAQ about Weeknight Tuscan Chicken

• Can I use frozen spinach?

  Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw the spinach and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

  Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, sear the chicken and add it to the sauce, simmering until cooked through. Another option for those wanting to prep in advance is to try this quick crockpot chicken meal.

• Can I use milk instead of cream?

  While you can use milk instead of cream, the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a creamier sauce, use half-and-half or light cream.

• Is this recipe keto-friendly?

  This recipe can be made keto-friendly by using heavy cream and avoiding any added sugars. Serve with cauliflower rice instead of pasta or rice. For more keto options, check out this easy creamy keto crockpot chicken recipe.

• Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

  Yes, feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Final Thoughts on Weeknight Tuscan Chicken

This Weeknight Tuscan Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about bringing the warmth and flavors of Tuscany into your home, even on the busiest of weeknights. It’s about creating a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying, made with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Hopefully, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, a go-to dish that you can rely on for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to create a Tuscan masterpiece that your family will love! You can easily make this in a crockpot. Why not try this easy, creamy crockpot dinner recipe, the ultimate weeknight meal?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please save it on Pinterest, leave a comment below, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy weeknight meals! We love hearing from you and seeing your creations. Happy cooking!

Weeknight Tuscan Chicken

katya bou

This Weeknight Tuscan Chicken recipe is designed to bust the myth that delicious means difficult and time-consuming. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and features a creamy Tuscan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Tuscan

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet,
• Meat thermometer

Ingredients

  

Weeknight Tuscan Chicken Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Instructions

 

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown; do not cook through.
• Remove chicken from skillet. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Simmer and reduce slightly.
• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy. Reduce heat to low and simmer to thicken.
• Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
• Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top. Cover and simmer 5-7 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken. Substitute chicken thighs for breasts or use half-and-half for lighter cream. Add red pepper flakes for heat or additional veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.

Keyword Creamy, Easy, Family-Friendly, One-Pan, Quick