This Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together tender sautéed chicken breasts with wilted spinach, earthy mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and often a touch of sun-dried tomatoes or Parmesan cheese for a hint of Italian flair. It’s a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an elegant dish for a special occasion. The chicken breasts are typically seasoned and pan-seared until golden brown and cooked through, creating a juicy and flavorful protein base. Sliced mushrooms are then sautéed in the same pan, absorbing the flavorful chicken drippings and becoming tender and slightly caramelized. Fresh spinach is added towards the end, wilting down into the creamy sauce and adding a nutritious and slightly earthy element. Crispy bacon bits are often sprinkled throughout the dish, providing a salty and smoky crunch that complements the richness of the sauce. The creamy sauce is the star of the show, usually made with heavy cream or a combination of cream and chicken broth, thickened slightly by the rendered bacon fat and any flour used to dredge the chicken. Garlic is sautéed to infuse the sauce with its aromatic flavor, and sun-dried tomatoes (either chopped or their oil) can be added for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich depth to the sauce. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme are often incorporated, bringing a bright and aromatic finish to the dish. Served over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or simply on its own, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms is a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal that combines savory chicken, earthy vegetables, crispy bacon, and a luscious, flavorful sauce.
The texture of Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms is a delightful combination of tender chicken, soft wilted spinach, slightly chewy sautéed mushrooms, and the occasional crispy bite of bacon. The creamy sauce coats all the elements, providing a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel.
The flavor profile is rich and savory, with the chicken providing a mild and protein-rich base. The mushrooms offer an earthy and umami depth, while the spinach adds a subtle vegetal note. The bacon contributes a significant salty and smoky flavor. The creamy sauce is infused with garlic and often has a hint of sweetness and tanginess from sun-dried tomatoes, along with the salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese and the aromatic freshness of herbs like basil or oregano.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms is a versatile dish that is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a more elegant meal for guests. It pairs well with various sides and is satisfying on its own.
The preparation of Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms involves searing the chicken, sautéing the vegetables, making a creamy sauce, and then combining everything together. Chicken breasts are typically seasoned and pan-seared until cooked through and golden brown. Mushrooms are then sautéed in the same pan until tender. Garlic is added and sautéed briefly. Spinach is wilted in the pan. Heavy cream and chicken broth are added to create the sauce, often with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Crispy bacon, cooked separately and crumbled, is added or sprinkled on top. Fresh herbs are stirred in at the end for freshness.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button)
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or oregano (for garnish)
Equipment:
- Large skillet with a lid
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon: Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the olive oil to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat (if needed, add a little more olive oil). Heat over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté over medium heat until they are tender and have released their liquid, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Optional): Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, if using.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thick slices and return them to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat.
- Add Bacon: Stir the cooked bacon bits back into the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or oregano. Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or on its own.
Enjoy this delicious and creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms!