Creamy Tuscan Chicken Rice Skillet (Printable)

Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce with fluffy rice—all in one pan.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 tsp salt
03 - ½ tsp black pepper
04 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
05 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Rice & Broth

06 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
07 - 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Vegetables

08 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and sliced
11 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach

→ Sauce

12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh basil leaves, torn
16 - Additional Parmesan cheese for serving

# How to Make:

01 - Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
03 - In the same skillet, add butter. Sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and rice. Cook for 1 minute to toast the rice.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Return cooked chicken and any juices to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
07 - Add baby spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 1 minute. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One-Pan Simplicity: Easy preparation and minimal cleanup make this ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Complex Flavors: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a restaurant-quality taste profile.
  • Naturally Hearty: The fluffy rice absorbs the savory broth and cream, making it a complete and filling meal.
  • Versatile: It is easily adaptable for gluten-free diets and different leafy greens.
02 -
  • Toast the Rice: Spending one minute toasting the rice in butter and aromatics adds a subtle nutty depth to the final dish.
  • Deglaze for Depth: Using a splash of white wine helps release the golden bits (fond) from the chicken, enhancing the overall sauce.
  • Fresh Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties for a smoother, creamier sauce consistency.
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