Are you looking for a delicious and healthy weeknight meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Canned Spinach is a fantastic recipe that utilizes readily available ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Forget complicated cooking – this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick dinner idea that's both wholesome and incredibly tasty. It's a testament to how homemade cooking can be simple and rewarding, delivering a delicious dish without hours of prep time. Let’s dive into this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or 2 cans (10 ounces each) of drained canned spinach)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Combine Ingredients: Add the thawed and squeezed spinach (or drained canned spinach) to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and stir in the cooked chicken. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
-
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook until it's no longer pink inside.
- Squeeze out excess water from the spinach: This will prevent your sauce from becoming too watery. For canned spinach, a thorough draining is crucial.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs, spices, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will actually deepen overnight!
Variations:
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: For a burst of intense flavor, add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the spinach.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like Asiago or Romano.
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Always consult a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams
- Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Canned Spinach is a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy food recipes can be easy to prepare. It's a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights, making it a welcome addition to your repertoire of best recipes. Enjoy!