Description

This easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe delivers rich flavors, vibrant colors, and a luscious creamy texture. Featuring tender chicken breasts, smoky turkey bacon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), it makes a comforting and quick meal perfect for any weeknight. The creamy sauce, enhanced with apple cider vinegar, creates a delightful balance of indulgence and brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Flavorings

1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
3/4 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream

Liquids and Oils

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped smoked turkey bacon. Sauté until the bacon becomes crispy and releases a smoky aroma into the pan.
Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the cream and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, coating the back of a spoon.
Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt within the cream sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) over the mixture and gently stir until fully melted and incorporated.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking for even results.
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a golden crust.
Use fresh garlic for maximum aroma and flavor instead of garlic powder.
Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent separation or curdling.
Allow chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
For garnish, add freshly chopped basil, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Reheat slowly with added cream or water to maintain creamy consistency.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken, smoked turkey bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, plant-based cheese, quick weeknight meal, Italian chicken recipe