Creamy Tuscan Chicken Rice Skillet (Printable version)

A comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fluffy rice.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Rice & Grains

02 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
06 - ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and sliced
07 - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

→ Dairy

08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Liquids

10 - 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Fats & Oils

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

13 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
14 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
16 - Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden on all sides, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes if using, and sauté for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
04 - Stir in the rinsed rice, coating it thoroughly with the oil and aromatic mixture.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
06 - Once the rice is nearly tender and most liquid is absorbed, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Return the seared chicken to the pan.
07 - Simmer gently, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens, rice is fully cooked, and chicken is heated through.
08 - Fold in the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, approximately 1 minute. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
09 - Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The one-pan method ensures that every grain of rice absorbs maximum flavor while keeping cleanup effortless.
  • The combination of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan creates a rich, restaurant-quality sauce.
  • It is a complete, balanced meal featuring proteins, grains, and nutrient-dense vegetables like spinach and tomatoes.
02 -
  • Always rinse your white rice thoroughly before cooking to remove surface starch; this ensures the rice stays fluffy and doesn't become gummy in the sauce.
  • Add the spinach at the very last minute and only cook until just wilted to preserve its vibrant green color and delicate texture.
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