Creamy Tuscan Stuffed Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy blend of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese, then cooked in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. This dish combines classic Italian flavors for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines rich, creamy, and savory flavors in every bite
- Perfect for a special dinner yet easy enough for a weeknight meal
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables
- A great way to elevate chicken breast into something extraordinary
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken: Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. Fill each pocket with the prepared mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, add Parmesan cheese, and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Simmer the chicken: Return the stuffed chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks and spoon the creamy Tuscan sauce over the chicken. Serve warm with your favorite side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an extra layer of umami flavor.
- Use different cheese: Swap mozzarella for provolone or Gouda for a slightly different taste.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Swap the protein: Use boneless pork chops instead of chicken for a unique twist.
- Bake it: Instead of cooking on the stovetop, bake the stuffed chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked stuffed chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
Use toothpicks to secure the chicken pocket, and avoid overstuffing.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the chicken in advance, then store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, but boneless thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Can I cook this in the oven instead of on the stovetop?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add a bit more Parmesan cheese to help thicken the sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Stuffed Chicken is a delightful, indulgent meal that is both elegant and easy to prepare. With its rich, cheesy filling and flavorful sauce, it is a perfect dish for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it with your favorite side for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 serving 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy cheese, then baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff each chicken breast with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Secure with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds, then add heavy cream. Stir well.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with ricotta or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
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