Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken (One-Pan, Flavorful & Quick Dinner!)
Transport your taste buds to Tuscany with this incredibly rich and flavorful Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken! Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts are nestled in a luscious cream sauce, brimming with vibrant spinach, sweet cherry tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic garlic. This easy, one-pan meal is naturally low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free – perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Yields: 2-3 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded to ½-inch thickness (about 1 – 1.5 lbs total)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil), for frying
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature (full-fat recommended)
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra cheesiness in sauce)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a slight kick)
Equipment:
- Large (10-12 inch) skillet (oven-safe if preferred, though not strictly necessary)
- Tongs
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions:
- Prep & Season Chicken: Pat the thinly sliced chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). If your chicken is thicker, it may take longer.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Keep warm.
- Sauté Veggies: If needed, add another ½ tablespoon of avocado oil to the same skillet.
- Add the spinach, cherry tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts, mushrooms soften, and tomatoes begin to burst.
- Make Creamy Tuscan Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and minced garlic to the pan with the vegetables.
- Whisk gently until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If using, stir in the optional grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
- Combine & Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy Tuscan sauce.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken immediately over cauliflower rice, alongside your favorite steamed or roasted keto-friendly veggies like asparagus or green beans, or simply on its own with extra sauce. Enjoy! ❤️
Tips for Success:
- Thin Chicken: Pounding or slicing chicken thin ensures it cooks quickly and evenly, preventing dry chicken.
- Don’t Overcrowd Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly and doesn’t steam.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Crucial for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Low Heat for Sauce: Keep the heat on low when adding cream cheese and heavy cream to prevent the sauce from separating or scorching.
- Fresh Veggies: Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes provide vibrant color and flavor.
- Rest Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest briefly after searing helps keep it juicy.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
- High Protein: Yes, from the chicken and cream cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
