Description
A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring juicy seared chicken breasts in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts, pounded thin (about 500g)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- If using red wine, add it now and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Stir in softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese one at a time until melted and smooth. Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through and finish cooking the chicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking. Use fresh Parmesan rather than pre-grated to avoid a grainy sauce. Remove the pan from heat when adding cheese to prevent breaking. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream; if too thin, simmer longer. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 36
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 38
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meals, chicken breast recipes, Italian comfort food, quick dinners