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Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

creamy tuscan garlic chicken skillet - featured image

A rich, velvety one-pan chicken skillet with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting meal comes together in about 35 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (46 thighs)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 45 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 3 generous handfuls)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs in a single layer for 5-6 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Transfer to a plate (chicken will not be fully cooked).
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter, then 4-5 minced garlic cloves and 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 1 minute.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add 1 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir gently and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and add salt if needed.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Spoon sauce over chicken. Simmer on low for 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  8. Add 5 ounces fresh baby spinach on top. Gently stir into the hot sauce until wilted (about 1 minute).
  9. Remove from heat and let rest 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over each portion.

Notes

For best results, grate your own Parmesan cheese—pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Keep heat low after adding cream to prevent curdling. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk.

Nutrition

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