Tuscan Chicken Skillet Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, chopped For this recipe, I like to start with fresh chicken breasts. They cook well and stay juicy. Olive oil adds a nice flavor and helps with cooking. Garlic gives the dish its aroma, while the cherry tomatoes and spinach bring brightness and color. - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste The heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. I recommend using fresh Italian seasoning for the best taste. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate. - Fresh basil - Other garnishing suggestions Fresh basil adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. You can also use extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for more flavor. These garnishes make the dish look as good as it tastes. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your chicken and seasonings. You will need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Be sure to coat each piece well. Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. When done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. Now it's time to make the sauce. In the same skillet, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until you can smell the aroma. Then, toss in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. After that, add one cup of chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir it until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes. Next, pour in half a cup of heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Finally, add half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and combines well. Now, bring back the chicken breasts to the skillet. Allow them to soak in that creamy sauce for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. When you're ready to serve, garnish your dish with fresh basil. You can serve the Tuscan chicken on sautéed zucchini noodles or with a fresh salad. This adds color and makes the meal look beautiful. Enjoy your tasty, low-carb creation! - To cook chicken perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. - Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for deep flavor. - Sauté chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. - Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. - For vegetables, start with garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. - Add cherry tomatoes next. Cook until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. - Finally, stir in chopped spinach. It wilts quickly, in about 2 minutes. - Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright taste. - Italian seasoning adds a classic touch to the dish. - Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. - For depth, try sun-dried tomatoes or olives. They boost flavor. - Lemon juice can brighten the sauce. Just a squeeze works wonders. - Serve the chicken on a bed of zucchini noodles for a fun twist. - A vibrant salad makes a great side dish. - Garnish with fresh basil to add color and freshness. - Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a tasty finish. - Use a colorful plate to enhance the visual appeal of the meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and vegetables; they enhance the flavor and presentation of your dish significantly. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or a non-dairy alternative to reduce calories while maintaining flavor. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness to the creamy sauce. {{image_2}} - Alternative proteins: If you want to switch things up, try using turkey or pork. They both work great in this dish. You could also use shrimp for a seafood twist. - Dairy-free options: To make this meal dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese and still add a cheesy flavor. - Adding different vegetables: You can mix in vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Each adds a unique taste and texture. - Adjusting spice levels: If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, skip the spices or use less Italian seasoning. - Serving over different low-carb bases: Instead of just chicken, serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. This adds more fiber and keeps it low-carb. - Meal prep ideas and portioning: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Divide it into containers for quick lunches. Store it in the fridge and enjoy it throughout the week. Store your Tuscan Chicken Skillet in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. It can last up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down first, then cover it well. If you want to enjoy it later, storing it properly matters. When you reheat, avoid drying out your dish. The stovetop is the best method for reheating. Add a splash of water or cream to the pan. This keeps the sauce creamy. Heat it on low until warm. If you use the microwave, only heat in short bursts. Stir in between to keep it moist. Yes, you can freeze this dish. First, let it cool completely. Then, use a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about two months. To thaw, move it to the fridge a day before. Reheat on the stove or microwave to enjoy again. How to make Low Carb Tuscan Chicken Skillet ahead of time? You can make this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce as normal. Let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream for extra moisture. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to thaw them first. You can thaw overnight in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave’s defrost setting. Cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the sauce. What are the nutritional benefits of this dish? This dish is rich in protein due to the chicken. It also has healthy fats from the olive oil and cream. The spinach and tomatoes add vitamins and antioxidants. This makes it a balanced meal. How many calories per serving? Each serving has about 400 calories. This can vary based on the exact amounts you use. The heavy cream and cheese contribute to the calorie count, but they also add flavor. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. None of the ingredients contain gluten. It's perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. What to serve with Low Carb Tuscan Chicken Skillet? You can serve this dish with sautéed zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. A fresh salad also pairs well. If you want more carbs, you could serve it with whole grain bread or brown rice. This Low Carb Tuscan Chicken Skillet recipe features simple steps and fresh ingredients. You learned how to cook juicy chicken, make a rich creamy sauce, and garnish for beauty. Don't forget the tips for cooking and presentation to impress everyone. Explore variations to fit your taste and dietary needs. With these pointers, you can make an enjoyable meal at any time. Remember, a little creativity can make cooking fun. Enjoy your culinary journey!$

Tuscan Chicken Skillet Delight

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with cherry tomatoes and spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup spinach, chopped
0.5 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to soak up the creamy sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Serve the Tuscan chicken on a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles or alongside a vibrant salad, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil for a pop of color.

Keyword chicken, creamy, Italian, skillet