Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts (sliced in half to create 6 cutlets)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• olive oil (drizzle for searing)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 0.5 onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
• 2 cup spinach (fresh)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• fresh parsley (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Season the chicken breast halves on both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, and chili flakes (if using).

2. 2

   Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. 3

   Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. 4

   Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

5. 5

   In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.

6. 6

   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and translucent.

7. 7

   Add the halved grape tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.

8. 8

   Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted.

9. 9

   Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese.

10. 10

    Stir the sauce continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

11. 11

    Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.

12. 12

    Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet.

13. 13

    Let the dish simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the chicken to heat through and the sauce to thicken slightly.

14. 14

    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Notes

For a lower-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken
• creamy
• one-pan
• dinner
• Italian-inspired