Description
A budget-friendly, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring seared chicken breasts in a rich, creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (plus oil from jar)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 4–5 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Pound thick breasts slightly or slice horizontally to ensure even cooking.
- Heat butter 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, leaving pan drippings in the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced fresh garlic to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a spoonful of their oil, stirring for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add heavy cream and stir well. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth. Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce over chicken and let sit for a minute to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not skip searing the chicken for better texture and flavor. Use fresh garlic rather than jarred for the best taste. Keep heat on medium-low when adding cream and cheese to prevent breaking. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy sauce; store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 34
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: creamy tuscan garlic chicken, one pan dinner, budget meal, weeknight dinner, chicken skillet, easy recipe, family friendly