Description
Succulent Tuscan chicken breasts elevate home cooking with Mediterranean flavors from Italy’s heartland. Herb-infused ingredients and simple techniques create a restaurant-quality meal that delights palates without complicated preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/3 cup (40 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/3 cup (50 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach leaves
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for the chicken preparation.
- Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and carefully sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside while maintaining its initial warmth.
- In the same skillet, quickly toast minced garlic until its aroma becomes pronounced and fragrant.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, followed by heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Introduce sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach into the sauce, stirring until spinach leaves become delicately wilted and integrated.
- Gently return seared chicken pieces back to the skillet, carefully coating each breast with the rich, aromatic sauce.
- Transfer the entire skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches proper internal temperature.
- Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving, drizzling additional sauce over the top for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a perfect golden sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety without overcooking.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt content in Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 466 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg