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One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Butternut Squash

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Butternut Squash - featured image
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A comforting, one-pot dinner featuring seared chicken thighs and roasted butternut squash in a velvety creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. It is quick, easy, and perfect for cozy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients: Peel and cube the butternut squash. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Have all ingredients measured and ready.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate.
  3. Cook the squash: In the same pan, add butternut squash cubes. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Simmer together: Return chicken and juices to the pan. Nestle chicken into sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and squash is tender.
  7. Finish: Stir in fresh spinach and let wilt for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure a good crust. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast. Chicken breasts can be used but require reduced cooking time to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot meal, creamy chicken, butternut squash, tuscan chicken, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, comfort food, gluten-free

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/one-pot-creamy-tuscan-chicken-with-butternut-squash-easy-dinner/