Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped; packed in oil is best)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For Serving:

• Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs.
   2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   3. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
   2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
   3. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
   4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
   5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
   6. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Combine and Finish:

   1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and soak up some of the sauce flavors.
   2. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

4. Serve:

   1. Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.
   2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is rich and flavorful, with the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach adding depth to the creamy sauce. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy dinner or to impress guests with minimal effort.