why make this recipe
Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Italian flavors with minimal effort. This dish brings together tender chicken, aromatic spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s a meal that feels luxurious but can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Additionally, the combination of crispy bacon and freshly grated Parmesan adds a delightful layer of flavor that makes every bite enjoyable. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. It’s comforting, satisfying, and certainly worthy of being part of your regular meal rotation.
equipment needed for Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
To make this delicious dish, you will need a few essential tools. A large skillet is crucial for cooking the chicken and sauce evenly. An effective knife set will help you chop the ingredients easily. A wooden spoon or spatula will be necessary for stirring and mixing everything together. If desired, a meat tenderizer can help make the chicken more even in cooking, although it’s optional.
Lastly, have a cutting board on hand for chopping and preparing your ingredients. With these tools, you’re all set to create a delectable Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet.
What You Need to Make Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken (breast or thighs)
- 4 cup fresh spinach (washed and dried)
- 6 slices bacon (chopped)
- 4-5 tbsp sundried tomatoes (drained from oil, sliced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream, coconut cream)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or more if you want a runny sauce)
- 1/2 cup brown onion (or shallot diced fine)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (freshly minced)
How to Cook Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Step by Step
Start by chopping the bacon into small pieces. Place the bacon in a dry skillet with no oil over medium heat. Cook until the bacon renders its fat and becomes slightly crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside.
Next, prepare the chicken by cutting the breasts in half lengthwise. This helps them cook more quickly and evenly. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. If you prefer, you can pound the chicken with a meat tenderizer for an even cook.
In the same skillet, add the olive oil and then the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, place the seasoned chicken into the skillet. Cook each side for about three minutes, or until they are nicely charred and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside as well.
Using the same pan, add the diced onion (or shallot) to the remaining juices. Sauté over medium-low heat, adding a little more oil if needed. The goal is to soften the onion without burning it. After a few minutes, add the sun-dried tomatoes and freshly minced garlic. Sauté for another 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Now it’s time to add the washed spinach to the mixture. Stir it in and cook until the spinach wilts and reduces in size, which should take about a minute. Once the spinach is wilted, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
After it has reached a boil, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, taking care to adjust if your chicken broth is already seasoned. Allow this mixture to simmer on a lower heat until it thickens. It’s important not to boil the cream to avoid curdling.
Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Coat it well with the flavorful sauce. Let it cook on low heat for an additional two to three minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese has melted and integrated into the sauce. At this point, your exquisite creamy sauce should be thick and tasty. To finish, sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon over the dish and, if you’d like, you can garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm with your favorite sides for a truly delightful meal.
how to make Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
To make Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet, gather all your ingredients first to ensure a smooth cooking process. Start by cooking the bacon in a dry skillet until crispy. Remove and set it aside. Season and prepare the chicken, cooking it in the same skillet to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Next, sauté the onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet. Add in the spinach, and allow it to wilt before introducing chicken broth and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer while you return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the rich sauce.
Finish with Parmesan and crispy bacon atop for added flavor, and relish in the creamy, savory goodness. This straightforward process will yield a flavorful main dish that is both comforting and impressive.
how to serve Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
Serving Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is a chance to get creative. You can spoon the rich chicken and sauce directly onto a plate or serve it family-style in the skillet itself. For a beautiful presentation, you might sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top for color.
Accompany this dish with some crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, providing a delightful contrast to the tender chicken. You could also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some pasta for a heartier meal.
Don’t forget to set out a salad for freshness. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette works well to balance the richness of the skillet dish. Enjoy it warm for the best experience!
what to serve with Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
Pairing sides with Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet will enhance your meal significantly. Consider light, refreshing options like a mixed green salad garnished with cherry tomatoes and a balsamic vinaigrette. This will cut through the richness of the cream sauce.
Another excellent option is to serve the chicken over rice or pasta. Both can soak up the delicious sauce, making for a satisfying dish. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also complements the meal wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy every bit of the sauce.
For a veggie fix, roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans can add color and nutrients, balancing the dish perfectly. Choose your sides based on what you enjoy or what you have on hand, and you’ll create a complete meal.
how to store Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
If you have leftovers after making your Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet, storing them correctly is essential to maintain freshness. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator, where it should be good for about 3 to 4 days.
If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing the leftovers. Place the cooled chicken and cream sauce in a freezer-safe container, where it can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat. You might need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
To elevate your Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet, consider these simple tips. First, make sure to season your chicken well. This adds depth to the flavors of your dish. Adding the smoked paprika not only gives taste but also a beautiful color.
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially the spinach and garlic. Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that dried garlic simply can’t replicate. For the sun-dried tomatoes, opt for those packed in oil, as they provide extra flavor and moisture.
If you’d like to make the dish slightly healthier, you could substitute half-and-half or lower-fat milk for the heavy cream. Just be cautious and avoid boiling the sauce if you do this, as lower-fat options can curdle more easily. Lastly, serve it immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture.
variation (if any)
There are several ways to adapt the Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet to your liking. For instance, you can add different vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Mixing in different herbs like basil or thyme can also give a nice fragrance to the dish.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or serve it over quinoa. For a more substantial flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onions. It will cook off but provide an exceptional depth to the sauce.
For those who prefer a bit of heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes can spice things up. So, feel free to experiment with these variations as you find what combinations you enjoy most.
best time to make Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
The Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is an excellent choice for any time of day, but it shines particularly brightly as a weeknight dinner. Its quick preparation makes it suitable for busy evenings. You can go from start to finish in about 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal even on the most hectic days.
Additionally, it’s a fantastic dish for casual gatherings or weekends when you want to prepare something that impresses without excessive effort. It’s also delicious for meal prep, as the flavors continue to deepen when stored overnight, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
common mistakes to avoid
One of the most common mistakes when making Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is overcooking the chicken. Cooking it just until golden brown and then finishing it in the sauce helps keep it juicy. Another mistake is allowing the cream sauce to boil. Boiling may cause it to separate, leaving you with an undesirable texture.
Failing to properly season your chicken can also lead to a bland dish, so be generous with your salt and pepper. It’s also wise to avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken, ensuring that each piece gets an even sear. Following these tips will lead you to a successful and flavorful dish.
nutritional notes
If you’re concerned about the nutritional aspects of Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet, it’s worth noting that it is quite rich due to the cream and bacon. However, chicken provides a good source of protein, and the addition of spinach offers essential vitamins and minerals.
For those looking to lighten it up, consider using less cream or opting for lighter versions. Incorporating more vegetables can also boost the nutritional profile. Adjust portion sizes according to your dietary needs to enjoy this dish mindfully.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it separately from the creamy sauce in the refrigerator. Combine and heat before serving.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a lighter version while still maintaining creaminess.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add favorites like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the mix. Just sauté them with the onions for a well-rounded flavor.
conclusion
In summary, Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is a wonderful dish that combines rich flavors with easy preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a comforting meal that is both satisfying and delightful. Its versatility allows for variations and adjustments according to your style or dietary preferences.
This dish is ideal for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a cozy meal by yourself. Whether served over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh salad, this creamy chicken dish has the potential to become a staple in your home. So gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a delicious meal that your taste buds will thank you for!
Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the bacon into small pieces and place in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook until slightly crispy, then set aside.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken and cook each side for about three minutes until charred and golden brown. Remove from the pan.
- Add diced onion to the remaining juices in the pan and sauté over medium-low heat until softened.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, sautéing for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the washed spinach and cook until wilted, about one minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream. Simmer until thick, ensuring not to boil.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Cook on low for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Lastly, stir in the grated Parmesan until melted, and sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top.
