Who doesn’t love a delicious meal that’s both comforting and tantalizing? Enter the Creamy Tuscan Chicken, a classic favorite for those who adore creamy sauces combined with tender chicken. This dish not only captures the essence of Tuscan flavors but is also incredibly easy to make. With juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of garlic, spinach, and tomatoes, this Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is perfect for a family dinner or an intimate gathering. Plus, it’s all done in a slow cooker, making it a hands-off delight that anyone can make.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Simple and Quick Preparation: Only 15 minutes of prep time.
- Rich in Flavor: Combines creamy and savory flavors with fresh vegetables.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Makes a substantial meal that satisfies all ages.
- Versatile Cooking: Can be served with rice, pasta, or zoodles.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Make-ahead friendly and stores well for leftovers.
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Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For a gluten-free option, simply serve this dish with gluten-free pasta or zoodles. Moreover, almond flour can replace Parmesan for a dairy-free variation without compromising on taste.
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How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken – Step by Step
Preparing the Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
Tip: For an extra crispy texture, ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning and searing.
Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker
- Transfer the seared chicken to a slow cooker.
Making the Creamy Sauce
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 4: Blend the Creamy Base
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add the fresh spinach on top.
Cooking in the Slow Cooker
Step 6: Slow Cook the Dish
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serving
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken over rice or zucchini noodles, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy this culinary masterpiece with your favorite side dish!
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Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe – Easy & Delicious
Pro Tips for Making the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Make Ahead and Storing: You can prepare the ingredients a day early and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Adding Extra Vegetables: Consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers for additional flavors.
- Adjusting the Creaminess: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered in the last 30 minutes of slow cooking.
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Best Ways to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken
The best way to serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken is with: - Steamed Rice: Provides a neutral base to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne work well to capture the sauce.
- Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): For a low-carb option, keeping the dish healthy and light.
For a complete meal, pair this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread, and a glass of chilled white wine for the adults.
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Nutritional Information for Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 18g
This dish is nutritious and suitable for a keto-friendly diet, with minimal carbohydrates and a good amount of protein and healthy fats.
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Storage & Leftovers
Here’s how you can make the most out of your leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken: - Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the consistency of the sauce.
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FAQs for Creamy Tuscan Chicken
1. Can I freeze Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. It’s best to freeze without the spinach and then add fresh spinach when reheating for the best texture.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a tofu-based cream for a dairy-free version.
3. Can I make Creamy Tuscan Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely, this is a great make-ahead dish! Prepare everything up to the point of slow cooking, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
4. What is the secret to the best Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
The secret lies in searing the chicken first to lock in the juices, and allowing enough time for slow cooking to meld all the flavors together.
—Related Recipes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken
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Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a delicious, low-carb meal perfect for those on a ketogenic diet. This hearty dish is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a great choice for any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken and broccoli florets.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and broccoli and mix well to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden browned.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your keto chicken and broccoli casserole warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding your favorite spices or herbs.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: keto, chicken, broccoli, casserole, low carb, gluten free, healthy food