Description
A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2–3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 8 oz pasta such as linguine or fettuccine (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken and any juices to the skillet. Nestle chicken into the sauce and top with fresh spinach. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately over pasta, with crusty bread, or on its own.
Notes
For best results, use fresh garlic and grate your own Parmesan cheese to avoid grainy sauce. If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer; if too thick, add a splash of broth or milk. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: creamy tuscan garlic chicken, one pan dinner, 30 minute meals, chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner, family friendly, gluten free option