Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a quick and indulgent dish featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts simmered in a rich, garlicky sauce made with smoked turkey bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and smooth plant-based cream cheese. This flavorful, comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream cheese (plant-based)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Oils and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped, optional
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Garlic: In the same skillet, add chopped smoked turkey bacon and sauté until crispy. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the pan, cooking just until the spinach wilts. Stir in the plant-based cream cheese (plant-based), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and a pinch of natural gelling agent. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the creamy sauce. Let them simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with chopped fresh herbs, season with extra salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Crisp the smoked turkey bacon fully to add texture and depth of flavor.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to reach your preferred creamy sauce consistency.
- Add spinach last to preserve its bright color and nutrients.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken, smoked turkey bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, plant-based cream cheese, spinach, gluten free
