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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Meal Prep - Comforting, Flavorful, and Ready for the Week

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken breasts (4 medium, about 1.5–2 pounds) or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Olive oil (2–3 tablespoons)
  • Butter (2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic (4–5 cloves, minced)
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil (1/2 cup, drained and sliced)
  • Baby spinach (4–5 cups, loosely packed)
  • Heavy cream (1 cup) or half-and-half for a lighter option
  • Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup)
  • Parmesan cheese, finely grated (1/2 cup)
  • Italian seasoning (1–2 teaspoons)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, 1/4 teaspoon)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Cornstarch (optional, 1–2 teaspoons, if you prefer a thicker sauce)
  • Lemon (optional, for a squeeze of brightness)
  • Cooked sides for meal prep containers (choose one or two): cooked pasta, rice, orcauliflower rice; roasted potatoes; or steamed green beans

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Slice breasts horizontally to make cutlets if they’re thick. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil and butter if the pan looks dry. Stir in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth. Simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add cream and remaining Italian seasoning. If you want it a bit spicy, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
  5. Thicken and enrich: Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then whisk into the simmering sauce. Cook 1–2 minutes until it lightly coats a spoon.
  6. Add greens: Stir in spinach. Let it wilt, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. A tiny squeeze of lemon brightens everything—use sparingly.
  7. Return chicken to pan: Nestle the chicken into the sauce, along with any plate juices. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer on low for 2–3 minutes to marry flavors.
  8. Assemble meal prep: Divide your chosen sides into 4 meal prep containers. Top with a chicken piece and spoon over a generous amount of sauce, tomatoes, and spinach. Let cool uncovered for 15–20 minutes before sealing.