Tuscan Chicken Simmer is a rich, comforting dish inspired by the rustic flavors of the Italian countryside. Tender chicken breasts are gently simmered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and aromatic herbs. The result is a savory, velvety meal that feels elegant yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Tuscan Chicken Simmer:
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but not complicated. The simmering process allows the chicken to soak up the creamy sauce while staying juicy and tender. Each bite delivers layers of flavor — from the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes to the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese and the freshness of herbs.Serve Tuscan Chicken Simmer over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dinner made easily at home.
History:
While “Tuscan Chicken” is popular in Italian-American cuisine, it draws inspiration from the rustic cooking traditions of Tuscany, Italy. Tuscan dishes often feature simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, herbs, tomatoes, and leafy greens. Cream-based sauces are more common in Italian-American adaptations, blending traditional flavors with modern comfort-food appeal.
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Tuscan Chicken Simmer – Creamy Garlic Parmesan
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken on both sides until golden (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Do not boil the sauce — simmer gently.
- Adjust thickness with extra broth if needed.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra richness.
- Add mushrooms for extra texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before plating.
Tips for Tuscan Chicken:
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat.
- Sear chicken well for deeper flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Add spinach at the end to keep it vibrant.
- For lighter version, substitute half-and-half.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately while sauce is creamy.
FAQs for Tuscan Chicken:
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze it?
Cream-based sauces may separate slightly, but it can be frozen.
5. What pasta pairs best?
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine are excellent choices.
6. Is it very heavy?
It’s rich but balanced with spinach and tomatoes.
7. Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or chili paste.
8. What side dishes go well?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Conclusion:
Tuscan Chicken Simmer is creamy, comforting, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavor. With tender chicken, garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes in a silky sauce, this one-pan dish transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.