Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, savory sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, smoked turkey bacon, and melted plant-based cheese. Enhanced with fresh spinach, garlic, and herbs, this comforting and colorful dish is quick to prepare and perfect for cozy weeknights or special dinners, delivering a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts, tenderized
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Smoky Flavor Ingredients
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup plant-based heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Herbs
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra leaves for garnish)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (used in chicken seasoning)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon and garlic: In the same skillet, add diced smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Build the creamy sauce: Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet, cooking until spinach wilts. Pour in the plant-based heavy cream, then stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural). Let the mixture simmer briefly. Whisk in plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent to thicken and enrich the sauce.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let it cook together for 2-3 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Finish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic lift. Serve immediately with your choice of side dish.
Notes
- Season chicken generously with salt and pepper for best flavor.
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Simmer the sauce gently to allow it to thicken properly without separating.
- Fresh herbs like basil enhance brightness and aroma.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more plant-based cheese or cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Plant-Based Cheese, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Comfort Food, Gluten Free
