Low Carb Creamy Tuscan Chicken (Print Version)

Tender chicken in a rich creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, ready in 40 minutes.

# Recipe Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Sauce

07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
11 - ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
13 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach

→ Garnish

14 - Fresh basil leaves, chopped
15 - Extra Parmesan cheese

# Directions:

01 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, pressing the spices into the meat to adhere.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
03 - Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release their oils.
04 - Pour in chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low.
05 - Add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir constantly until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
06 - Add fresh spinach leaves to the sauce, stirring gently until just wilted, about 1 minute. Do not overcook.
07 - Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce generously over the top. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until chicken is heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • Everything happens in one pan so cleanup is almost nonexistent
  • It is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a confident home cook without any stress
02 -
  • Do not crowd the pan when searing chicken or it will steam instead of developing that beautiful golden crust
  • The sauce will continue thickening as it stands so remove it from heat when it is slightly thinner than you want
  • Sun-dried tomatoes vary in saltiness so always taste your sauce before adding any extra salt
03 -
  • Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute evenly
  • Room temperature cream incorporates into the sauce more smoothly than cold cream straight from the fridge

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