Description
This high-protein, one-pan Tuscan chicken recipe is a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared and then simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch even thickness
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry; season both sides with Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and 160°F internal; remove to a plate and tent loosely.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened; add garlic 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, then deglaze with broth and Dijon, scraping up browned bits; simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan; simmer gently 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add spinach to wilt 1–2 minutes. Season with remaining salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using; squeeze in lemon juice for brightness.
- Return chicken (and juices) to the pan; simmer 2–3 minutes to coat and reach 165°F. Serve sauce spooned over chicken.
Notes
- For higher protein, use 6-ounce chicken breasts pounded evenly for faster cooking.
- Add 1 cup canned cannellini beans with the broth for extra protein and fiber.
- Serve over quinoa or chickpea pasta for a complete high-protein meal.
- For a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream with evaporated milk plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch.
- Add fresh basil or cherry tomatoes for variation.
- Ensure a good sear for a richer sauce. Deglaze the pan thoroughly.
- Simmer cream gently to prevent splitting. Grate cheese fresh for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American