Description
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe features juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection and then baked in a rich and creamy sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic Italian seasoning. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner.
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the chicken and sauce are prepared.
- Season and sear the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and builds flavor. Transfer the seared chicken into a baking dish.
- Prepare the creamy Tuscan sauce: In the same skillet, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the sauce slightly thickens, concentrating all the rich flavors.
- Assemble the dish: Pour the creamy Tuscan sauce evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring safety and tenderness.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute before serving. Enjoy your delicious Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts!
Notes
- Searing the chicken before baking enhances flavor and texture but you can skip this step if short on time.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor; frozen spinach can be substituted but drain well.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil offer a richer taste compared to dry-packed ones—adjust quantity if using dry.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
