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One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Rice

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This One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Rice is a cozy, Italian-inspired dinner featuring juicy chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and perfectly cooked rice—all made in a single skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (oil-packed preferred)
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup long grain white rice (jasmine or basmati optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and brown undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Lower heat to medium. In the same pot, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, adding a bit more oil if needed.
  4. Stir in the rice and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring, until the grains look slightly translucent and smell nutty.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Return chicken and any juices to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18-22 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth if needed.
  6. While rice cooks, whisk together heavy cream and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
  7. When rice is done, stir in the cream-Parmesan mixture and baby spinach. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if desired. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with torn basil, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and room temperature cream. Toasting the rice adds a nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving for extra creamy rice. Easily adaptable for dairy-free, vegetarian, or low-carb diets. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken and rice, one pot dinner, Italian chicken, easy weeknight meal, skillet chicken, comfort food, sun-dried tomato chicken, spinach chicken rice, family dinner

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/one-pot-creamy-tuscan-chicken-and-rice-recipe-easy-dinner-magic/