Creamy Tuscan Chicken: A Cozy Comfort Dinner in Under an Hour
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a weeknight savior, combining tender chicken with sweet cherry tomatoes in a rich cream sauce.
Equipment
- - Large skillet
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Can be swapped with canola or vegetable oil.
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts Thighs can be substituted for a richer taste.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Sea salt is a good alternative.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper White pepper can provide a milder flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Italian seasoning works well as a substitute.
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter Margarine can be used for a lower-fat option.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh is preferred over garlic powder.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) Grape tomatoes make for a good substitute.
- 5 ounces baby spinach Kale or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives.
- 1 cup heavy cream Half-and-half or coconut cream can be used for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute.
To Serve
- 2 pieces lemon wedges Serve alongside to brighten flavors.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Warm the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Generously season both sides of the boneless chicken breasts with kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and oregano. Cook for about 8 minutes per side until golden brown, then set aside to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and scrape up any delicious bits from the chicken.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the skins burst, about 3-4 minutes.
- Fold in the baby spinach, cooking until wilted. Then, pour in the heavy cream and add the freshly grated Parmesan, stirring well. Allow the sauce to simmer until slightly thickened, around 3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through and coated in creamy sauce.
- Optional: Serve garnished with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
Prep all ingredients beforehand as the cooking process is swift. Taste the sauce after combining to avoid excess salt and ensure perfect seasoning.