Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms recipe brings the hearty flavors of Tuscany right to your kitchen. Boneless chicken cutlets are seasoned and sautéed to golden perfection, then combined with fresh spinach, savory mushrooms, and a sumptuous blend of tomatoes and mozzarella. Each bite is an exquisite balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, making it a perfect family meal. Serve this dish over pasta or with crusty bread for a satisfying dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken cutlet
1 lb (pounded to even thickness)
sea salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
white wine
1/4 cup (for deglazing)
fresh spinach
6 ounces (washed)
fresh pre-sliced mushrooms
1 cup (washed)
canned diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic
1 (14.5-ounce) can (undrained)
fresh mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (sliced thinly)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preheating a large sauté pan over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. While the pan is heating, season both sides of the boneless chicken cutlets generously with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
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2. Add the extra virgin olive oil to the hot pan, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly. Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken cutlets in the pan, cooking them for 3-4 minutes on one side until they are lightly browned and have developed a nice crust.
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3. Flip the chicken cutlets, and add the white wine, fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pan. Stir gently to combine. Cover the pan and let it cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
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4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the fresh mozzarella by slicing it thinly.
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5. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the pan from heat. Layer the sliced mozzarella over the chicken, then cover the pan again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese.
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6. After the cheese has melted, serve the creamy Tuscan chicken hot, garnished with additional fresh spinach or herbs if desired. Enjoy it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms?
It is a hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring seasoned chicken cutlets sautéed with fresh spinach, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless chicken cutlets, pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
How should I season the chicken?
Season both sides of the chicken cutlets generously with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What temperature should I use to preheat the pan?
Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat for approximately 2 minutes before adding the oil.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the chicken?
Use 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.
How long do I cook the chicken cutlets initially?
Sauté the chicken for 3-4 minutes on the first side until they develop a nice crust and are lightly browned.
What is the purpose of white wine in this recipe?
A 1/4 cup of white wine is added to the pan to help deglaze and add depth to the sauce.
How much fresh spinach is required?
You will need 6 ounces of washed fresh spinach.
Do I need to slice the mushrooms myself?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of fresh pre-sliced mushrooms that have been washed.
What kind of canned tomatoes are recommended?
Use one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes seasoned with basil, oregano, and garlic.
Should I drain the tomatoes before adding them to the pan?
No, the tomatoes should be added undrained, using their juices to contribute to the creamy sauce.
How long does the chicken cook once the vegetables are added?
After adding the wine, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes, cover the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thinly.
When should I add the mozzarella cheese?
Layer the sliced mozzarella over the chicken once it is fully cooked and the pan has been removed from the heat.
How do I melt the mozzarella cheese?
Cover the pan after adding the cheese and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt it.
What are the best side dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
This dish is excellent served over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread.
Can I garnish this dish with herbs?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with additional fresh spinach or herbs if desired.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single large sauté pan, making cleanup easier.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients: chicken, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, spinach, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, and mozzarella.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It offers an exquisite balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a perfect family meal due to its hearty flavors and simple preparation.
How long does the whole process take?
The cooking process takes roughly 15-20 minutes after prep, including sautéing and simmering.
Can I substitute the sea salt?
While sea salt is specified, you can use table salt or kosher salt adjusted to taste.
What should I do before cooking the chicken?
Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness and seasoned on both sides.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is an Italian-style dish tagged under Italian cuisine and Tuscan-style.
Do I need to use fresh mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella is recommended for its melting quality and flavor, but other mozzarella can be substituted in a pinch.
How do I prepare the spinach?
Simply wash the 6 ounces of fresh spinach before adding it to the pan.
Is the chicken fried or sautéed?
The chicken is sautéed in extra virgin olive oil to achieve a golden perfection.
What makes the sauce 'creamy'?
The combination of tomato juices, white wine, and melted fresh mozzarella creates the creamy consistency.