Description
A rich, savory, and easy weeknight dinner featuring seared chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. It tastes like restaurant-quality Italian food but comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3–4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1/2 cup dry white wine
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pound thick breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth (and wine if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up brown bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Whisk gently over medium-low heat until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Stir until spinach is wilted (about 30 seconds). Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low for 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing. If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry. If the sauce is grainy, the heat was too high; whisk vigorously or blend with an immersion blender. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken, easy dinner, one pan meal, gluten-free, weeknight dinner, Italian chicken, sun-dried tomato sauce