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Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Basil and Cream Sauce

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This Creamy Tuscan Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety basil cream sauce, creating a comforting dish that transports you to Italy. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (about 2 ounces)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken breasts: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning on both sides. This should take about 2 minutes.
  2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Wait until the butter foams and turns slightly brown, about 2 minutes.
  3. Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C. Be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness.
  4. Add garlic and tomatoes: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes are soft.
  5. Stir in spinach and broth: Add 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves and 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes.
  6. Make the cream sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened, ensuring it doesn't boil too hard to prevent burning.
  7. Season: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional), and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Let the mixture rest for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  8. Serve: Plate the Creamy Tuscan Chicken, sprinkle with lemon zest, and serve with lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy the dish immediately for the best flavor experience.

Nutrition

Keywords: To achieve the perfect sauce consistency, add the cream slowly and allow it to incorporate well before adding more. Use a large, heavy skillet to distribute heat evenly, and avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent dryness.

Find it online: https://chefcarrot.com/cremiges-toskanisches-hahnchen-mit-basilikum-sahnesauce/