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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Breast Recipe with Pancetta

creamy Tuscan chicken - featured image
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A rich and creamy Tuscan-inspired chicken dish with smoky pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4–6 ounces each)
  • 4 ounces pancetta, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and chopped
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped pancetta and cook until crispy, about 3–4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pancetta and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  7. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts.
  8. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet, along with the crispy pancetta. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  9. Plate the chicken breasts and drizzle with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Garnish with a bit of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

[‘If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.’, ‘Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure an even golden crust.’, ‘Cream-based sauces can separate if overheated, so maintain a gentle simmer.’, ‘Use fresh Parmesan for better melting and flavor.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken, pancetta recipe, Italian chicken, one-pan chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-breast-recipe-with-pancetta/