Guardar Bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Rice Skillet. This comforting one-pan meal features tender chicken, a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce, and the perfect combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. In just 45 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that serves four and offers a homestyle fusion of Italian-American comfort.
Guardar This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency. The key is in the layering of flavors—from the initial searing of the chicken to the gentle simmering of the rice in seasoned broth. The result is a rich, satisfying dish that feels much more elaborate than its 30-minute cook time suggests.
Ingredients
- Proteins
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450 g), cut into 2.5 cm cubes
- Rice & Grains
- 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
- Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (60 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup (50 g) sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and sliced
- ½ cup (60 g) cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Dairy
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Liquids
- 2½ cups (600 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- Fats & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- 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, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes (if using), and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Step 4
- Stir in the rice, coating it well with the oil and aromatics.
- Step 5
- 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.
- Step 6
- Once the rice is nearly tender and most liquid absorbed, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Return seared chicken to the pan.
- Step 7
- Simmer gently, uncovered, for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens, rice is cooked, and chicken is heated through.
- Step 8
- Fold in chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 9
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the rice cooks evenly, make sure to rinse it well before adding it to the skillet to remove excess starch. Stir the rice occasionally during the simmering process to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan, and keep the heat low once the cream and cheese are added to maintain a smooth, velvety texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a richer and juicier result, you can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs. If you are looking for a lighter version of the sauce, half-and-half or evaporated milk can be used in place of heavy cream. To keep the dish strictly gluten-free, always verify that your chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes are certified gluten-free.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this skillet hot, straight from the pan for a rustic feel. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty artisan bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. For a fresher balance, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
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This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Rice Skillet is a nutritional powerhouse with 37g of protein per serving and 575 calories, making it a complete and satisfying dinner. Enjoy the effortless elegance of this one-pan meal and the rich, traditional flavors it brings to your home kitchen.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre recetas
- → ¿Puedo usar muslos de pollo en lugar de pechugas?
Sí, los muslos de pollo deshuesados son una excelente alternativa que aporta más jugosidad y sabor. Ajusta el tiempo de cocción añadiendo 3-5 minutos adicionales para asegurar que estén completamente cocidos.
- → ¿Cómo puedo hacer este plato más ligero?
Sustituye la crema espesa por leche evaporada o mitad crema y mitad caldo de pollo. También puedes reducir la cantidad de parmesano a media taza sin sacrificar demasiado sabor.
- → ¿Qué tipo de arroz funciona mejor?
El arroz blanco de grano largo es ideal porque absorbe bien los líquidos sin quedar pegajoso. El arroz jazmín o basmati también funcionan perfectamente para esta preparación.
- → ¿Puedo preparar este plato con anticipación?
Sí, puedes prepararlo hasta con 2 días de anticipación. Guárdalo en un recipiente hermético en el refrigerador y recalienta a fuego lento, añadiendo un poco de caldo si la salsa se espesa demasiado.
- → ¿Qué acompañamientos combinan bien con este plato?
Una ensalada verde simple con vinagreta balsámica, pan crujiente italiano para mojar en la salsa cremosa, o verduras asadas como brócoli o espárragos son acompañamientos ideales.
- → ¿Los tomates secos deben estar en aceite?
Los tomates secos en aceite aportan más sabor y se integran mejor, pero si usas los secos, rehidrátalos primero en agua caliente durante 10 minutos, escúrrelos bien y pícalos antes de añadirlos.