Creamy Tuscan Stuffed Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with a savory blend of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese. Cooked to perfection in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish is perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether served with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, flavorful chicken stuffed with a delicious Tuscan-inspired filling.
- A creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that’s rich and indulgent.
- Easy to make in under an hour, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables.
- A one-pan dish for easy cleanup and convenience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Stuffed Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh spinach, chopped
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Cream cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Garlic, minced
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Preparing the Stuffed Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Slice the chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through.
- Stuff the chicken: Fill each pocket with the prepared spinach and cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to the oven: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Making the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thick.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Keto-Friendly: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for more depth of flavor.
- Bacon Lover’s Twist: Add crispy bacon bits to the filling or sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze stuffed (uncooked) chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, but be cautious as the filling may get too hot.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used, but they may need extra time to cook through.
How do I keep the stuffing from leaking out?
Use toothpicks to secure the edges or avoid overfilling the chicken.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the stuffed chicken a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Searing the chicken first locks in moisture, and using a meat thermometer ensures it doesn’t overcook.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding to the filling.
What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Stuffed Chicken?
It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?
Yes, substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cornstarch for a lighter option.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
Add more chicken broth or a splash of milk to loosen the consistency.
Can I make this dish without an oven?
Yes, after searing the chicken, cover and simmer it in the sauce on low heat until cooked through.
What cheese works best for the filling?
Mozzarella, Parmesan, or feta cheese work well for a rich, melty texture.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Stuffed Chicken is a delicious, elegant dish packed with rich flavors and creamy textures. With a perfect balance of cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, this meal is both comforting and satisfying. Whether served over pasta or with a simple side, this dish will become a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy Tuscan stuffed chicken is filled with a rich mixture of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cheese, then baked to perfection. It’s a flavorful and elegant dish that pairs well with pasta or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (75g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup (120g) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (60g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing through the middle without cutting all the way through.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, cream cheese, and red pepper flakes.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the filling and secure with toothpicks.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Return the stuffed chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and bake for 20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with pasta or vegetables.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
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