Description
This quick creamy Tuscan chicken skillet is ready in just 20 minutes, featuring golden chicken breasts in a velvety sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. It’s a one-pan weeknight dinner that feels special without the stress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts), sliced horizontally into cutlets
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Sear the chicken: Lay cutlets in the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Start the sauce base: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer for about 1 minute.
- Add cream and seasonings: Pour in heavy cream, then stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Let come to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Sprinkle in grated Parmesan while stirring continuously until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Wilt the spinach: Add baby spinach in handfuls, stirring gently until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken: Nestle cooked chicken cutlets back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let warm through for 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately: Spoon chicken and sauce onto plates or shallow bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Get the pan hot enough for a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Watch the garlic to prevent burning. Grate your own Parmesan for a smooth sauce. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling. Season as you go.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 c
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 42
Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken, 20-minute chicken skillet, one-pan chicken dinner, quick weeknight meal, Italian chicken recipe