Description
Impress your Valentine with this luxuriously creamy Tuscan chicken, featuring tender pan-seared chicken in a garlicky Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Our secret? A bright lemon zest + chili flake finish that cuts through the richness, making this dish feel gourmet without fuss. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- tongs
- measuring cups/spoons
- zester
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness)
Sauce Base
- 3 tbsp olive oil (divided
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, reserve 1 tbsp oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 lemon (zested + wedges for serving)
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear to Golden Perfection
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
Build the Flavor Base
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Deglaze & Simmer
- Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Create the Cream Sauce
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Add spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Combine & Finish
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest and chili flakes (if using).
Serve with Love
- Plate chicken over pasta or garlic bread. Garnish with extra Parmesan, lemon wedges, and fresh basil.
Notes
Why This Recipe Stands Out:
- Lemon Zest + Chili Flake Lift: The bright citrus and subtle heat balance the creaminess, a trick inspired by coastal Italian kitchens. None of the top 5 recipes included this combo!
Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream/Parmesan.
- Wine-Free: Replace with ¼ cup chicken broth + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar.
Storage:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of cream.
- Pro Tip: Double the sauce—it’s divine over mashed potatoes the next day!
Love the lemon twist? Leave a comment below!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 38g