Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

2. Sear the Chicken:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is thick, you may need to reduce the heat and cook it a bit longer to ensure it’s fully cooked.

3. Remove the Chicken:

Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. You can also melt 2 tablespoons of butter over the chicken at this stage for extra richness.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or use the leftover oil from cooking the chicken if there’s enough). Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until they soften and release their flavor.

2. Add the Cream and Chicken Broth:

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Stir in Parmesan and Seasonings:

Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Add the dried basil (or fresh basil if using), red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

4. Add the Spinach:

Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. The spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the creamy sauce and balances the richness.

Step 3: Return the Chicken to the Pan

1. Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce:

Once the sauce has thickened and the spinach is wilted, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Nestle the chicken into the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

2. Adjust the Seasoning:

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to suit your taste.

Step 4: Serve the Creamy Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Chicken

Once the chicken has finished simmering in the sauce, your Creamy Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Chicken is ready to serve! Plate each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of sauce and spinach.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Creamy Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Chicken

Serve this indulgent chicken dish over pasta, rice, or alongside mashed potatoes. For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.