Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Recipe posted in: Flex Meals & Snacks, Lunches & Dinners, Main Courses
creamy Tuscan chicken with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes

Diving into the flavors of Tuscany with a health-conscious twist, our Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is a reimagined take on a trending favorite, designed to delight the palate and nourish the body. This dish stands as a testament to the power of choosing ingredients that work in harmony, not only to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor but also one that supports a balanced diet. Central to our creation is the chicken breast, a lean source of protein that’s seasoned to perfection with black pepper and Italian seasoning, capturing the essence of Tuscan cuisine with each tender bite.

Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet known for its good fats and flavor-enhancing properties, starts off the cooking process. It sets the stage for a melody of shallot and garlic, building an aromatic foundation that’s rich and inviting. In a nod to traditional creamy dishes, yet with a lighter approach, we incorporate either 2% milk or unsweetened oat milk. This choice ensures the sauce remains luxuriously creamy but with a fraction of the usual calories and fat.

The robust taste of sun-dried tomatoes adds complexity with their sweet and tangy profile, while fresh basil introduces a burst of freshness, elevating the dish. Low-sodium chicken broth enriches every spoonful with depth without compromising on health, ensuring the sauce is both flavorful and heart-friendly. Spinach, with its vibrant color and wealth of nutrients, folds into the mix, contributing both texture and a nutritional boost.

A modest amount of grated Parmesan cheese is the finishing touch, lending a subtle umami kick that ties all the components together beautifully. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of thoughtful, healthful eating. As we dive into the recipe, prepare for a dinner that brings the spirit of Tuscany to your table, with every ingredient thoughtfully selected to support well-being and satisfaction.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken

Our Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe brings together the rich flavors of Tuscany in a dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Perfect for serving up to four people, each serving packs a flavorful punch at just 315 calories. This dish aligns wonderfully with the Nutrisystem plan, counting as two PowerFuels, three Extras and one Vegetable.

Nutritious Ingredients

The recipe utilizes a blend of wholesome ingredients. You’ll need olive oil, divided for use throughout the cooking process. A pound of chicken breast provides lean protein, seasoned with black pepper and Italian seasoning for depth of flavor.

The sauce features a base of chopped shallots and minced garlic, softened to perfection in the skillet. For the creamy element, two-percent milk or unsweetened oat milk are thickened with 3cornstarch. Sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil add color and a burst of flavor, while a bit of low sodium chicken broth adjusts the sauce’s consistency.

Spinach introduces a green, nutritious twist, and the dish is completed with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Directions

Preparation and Cooking:

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Season the chicken with black pepper and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden on each side, approximately five to eight minutes per side.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, shallots and garlic, cooking until soft for about one minute.

Creating the Sauce:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and cornstarch before adding this mixture to the skillet along with the sun-dried tomatoes, basil and chicken broth. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about five minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken. Adjust the consistency with more broth if needed. Then, add the spinach, cooking it just until wilted.

Finishing Touches:

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece to ensure it’s well-coated and heated through. Serve the dish sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor.

What to Serve with Tuscan Chicken

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is more than a meal; it’s an experience. Its thoughtful combination of ingredients offers a healthy take on traditional Tuscan flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that promises to delight the senses and support your wellness goals. Serve it with a side of whole grain pasta or a crisp green salad for a complete, balanced meal.

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: 315

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuel, 3 Extras and 1 Vegetable

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ Tbsp. olive oil, divided
  • 1 lb. chicken breast
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups 2% milk or unsweetened oat milk
  • 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ¼ cup chicken broth, low sodium
  • 3 cups spinach
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chicken and season with black pepper and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and no longer pink, about 5-8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in shallots and garlic. Cook until soft, about 1 minute.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together milk and cornstarch.
  4. Add milk mixture, sun-dried tomatoes, basil and chicken broth to the pan. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 4-5 minutes, until sauce has thickened some. Add more broth if it's too thick.
  5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  6. Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon the sauce over each piece and cook until heated through.
  7. Serve with parmesan cheese.
Click to rate this recipe!
[Total: 3 Average: 4]