Creamy Tuscan Chicken Rice Skillet (Print)

Tender chicken in creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fluffy rice—all cooked in one pan for easy Tuscan-inspired comfort.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Rice & Grains

02 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
06 - 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and sliced
07 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

→ Dairy

08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Liquids

10 - 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Fats & Oils

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

13 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
14 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
16 - Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes if using, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
04 - Stir in the rice, coating it well with the oil and aromatic vegetables.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
06 - Once the rice is nearly tender and most liquid is absorbed, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Return seared chicken to the pan.
07 - Simmer gently, uncovered, for 5 to 7 minutes until sauce thickens, rice is cooked, and chicken is heated through.
08 - Fold in chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
09 - Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -
  • Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less time spent on dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
  • Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan creates a luxurious sauce that coats every grain of rice.
  • Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Tangy sun-dried tomatoes and earthy spinach cut through the richness for a perfectly rounded dish.
  • Family Friendly: A hearty, comforting meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
02 -
  • Rinse Your Rice: Always rinse the long-grain rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve fluffy grains rather than a mushy texture.
  • Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than the pre-shredded kind for a smoother, creamier melt in the sauce.
  • Monitor Heat: Keep the heat low once the cream and cheese are added to prevent the dairy from separating or scorching.
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