Are you dreaming of warm, comforting meals to fight off the chill of winter? Look no further! This delicious and easy chicken recipe is perfect for those cozy nights in. Say goodbye to complicated dinners and hello to a healthy, homemade meal that's ready in under an hour. This recipe is packed with flavor and is guaranteed to become a new family favorite, a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich and creamy sauce, bursting with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. It's a healthy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in the fresh basil. Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken over cooked pasta or rice, or enjoy it on its own.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the chicken, ensure the pieces aren't overcrowded. This will help them brown properly and prevent them from steaming. Work in batches if necessary.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Using fresh basil really elevates the flavor of this dish. If fresh basil isn't available, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Enhance the earthy flavors by adding 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms along with the onions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without pasta):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a healthy and comforting meal during the colder months. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Enjoy this delicious dish, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear how you customized this recipe to make it your own. Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family – it's the perfect addition to anyone's collection of best recipes!