Description
A quick, 30-minute one-pan meal featuring seared chicken breasts in a rich garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
- Italian bread or crusty baguette for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pound to even ½-inch thickness if necessary.
- 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 minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a tablespoon of their oil to the pan. Stir for 30 seconds, then pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Scrape up brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is glossy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Nestle chicken into the sauce and top with fresh spinach.
- Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and spinach is wilted.
- Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top and garnishing with fresh herbs. Pair with crusty bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Do not overcook the chicken; it finishes cooking in the sauce. Always remove the pan from heat before adding Parmesan to prevent the sauce from breaking. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. If too thin, simmer longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 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: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, one pan dinner, creamy garlic chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, 30 minute meals