Olive Garden Tuscan Garlic Chicken

This is one of Olive Garden’s most popular dishes and was inspired by recipes from the heart of Italy.

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ cups flour plus 1 tablespoon
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 4 (4-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 5 divided tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 julienned red pepper
• ½ cup white wine
• ½ pound stemmed whole-leaf spinach
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup divided grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together 1½ cups flour, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp. Add more oil for each batch as necessary.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
5. In a separate saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped garlic and julienned red pepper, and cook for approximately 1 minute.
6. Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour, white wine, spinach, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the spinach becomes wilted. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta.
8. Coat the cooked pasta with the prepared sauce, then top it with the cooked chicken breasts and the remaining sauce.
9. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Serve the dish while hot and enjoy.

• Olive Garden Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines seasoned chicken with a creamy garlic sauce. While the recipe has a few variations, the basic components remain the same: seasoned chicken breasts, a rich garlic sauce, and pasta. Here are a few variations and serving suggestions for this popular dish:

VARIATIONS:

• You can add sun-dried tomatoes to the garlic sauce for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness.
• For a lighter version, you can use chicken broth instead of heavy cream in the garlic sauce to reduce the calorie content.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the seasoning of the chicken. Adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage can enhance the flavor profile.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve the Tuscan Garlic Chicken over a bed of cooked pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, to soak up the delicious garlic sauce.
• Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of freshness and color.
• Pair the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to add a nutritious element to the meal.
• Serve with a slice of warm crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some variations, Olive Garden Tuscan Garlic Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the combination of tender chicken, flavorful garlic sauce, and pasta for a satisfying and comforting meal.