Tuscan Chicken With Cherry Tomatoes And Spinach

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

This flavorful dish is a perfect weeknight meal combining juicy chicken, burst cherry tomatoes, and wilted spinach in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted recommended for extra flavor)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Guide:

1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously with oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Simmer the tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Incorporate the spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, until wilted.
6. Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is slightly thickened.
7. Finish the dish: Return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley (optional) and serve immediately with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Tips:

• Chicken thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you may need to butterfly them (slice them horizontally in half without cutting all the way through) to ensure even cooking.
• Spinach variation: You can substitute baby spinach for the regular spinach, using the same amount.
• Creamy or light? For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream or even milk instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be thinner, but still flavorful.
• Flavor boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: If you prefer a more intense flavor, add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic in step 3.
• Leftovers: Store leftover Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat.