Creamy Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Its irresistible flavor makes it a perfect choice for impressing your guests or loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly flavorful with a blend of savory, tangy, and creamy notes.
- Made in just one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Easy to customize with variations to suit your taste preferences.
- Pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh spinach
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
- Add Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs or even shrimp for a delicious twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Cheese: Mix in a bit of mozzarella for an even creamier sauce.
- Vegetables: Include mushrooms or artichoke hearts for more texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
3. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Simmer the sauce uncovered to reduce it, or add a cornstarch slurry.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
The sauce may separate when reheated after freezing, but it’s still safe to eat.
5. What pairs well with Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad are great options.
6. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine can enhance the flavor.
7. How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Sear the chicken until golden, then finish cooking it gently in the sauce.
8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Fresh tomatoes will alter the flavor, but they can be a lighter alternative.
9. How do I make this spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced chili to the sauce.
10. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, as long as it’s served with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Chicken is a versatile and indulgent dish that’s bound to win hearts and appetites. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or a family meal, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite side, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Print
Creamy Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s rumored to be so delicious that it might inspire a marriage proposal!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. If using red pepper flakes, add them now.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
- Feel free to add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
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