Description
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe features juicy, seared chicken breasts enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. Baked to perfection in the oven, this comforting Italian-inspired dish combines vibrant flavors and a luscious texture that pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Then transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach, and minced garlic. Cook the mixture until the spinach wilts and the sauce slightly thickens, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Assemble Dish: Pour the creamy Tuscan sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Searing the chicken before baking locks in flavor and juices.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with baby kale if preferred.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
