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Creamy Dairy-Free Tuscan Chicken Recipe Easy Cashew Cream Sauce

creamy dairy-free tuscan chicken - featured image

A rich and comforting dairy-free Tuscan chicken recipe featuring a silky cashew cream sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Perfect for cozy dinners and allergy-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded slightly
  • 1 cup raw cashews (150 g), soaked for at least 4 hours or boiled for 15 minutes
  • 3/4 cup vegetable broth (180 ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (50 g), chopped, packed in oil
  • 3 cups fresh spinach (90 g), roughly chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for best creaminess. Alternatively, boil for 15 minutes until soft. Drain before blending.
  2. In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, vegetable broth, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until silky smooth. Set aside.
  3. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs on both sides. Let sit while prepping vegetables.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  5. Push aromatics to the side and add chicken breasts. Cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside tented with foil.
  6. In the same pan, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes to release flavor. Pour in cashew cream and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Stir in fresh spinach and let wilt for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Return chicken breasts to the pan, nestle into the sauce, and spoon sauce over the top. Cook for another 2 minutes to marry flavors.
  9. Serve warm with a generous ladle of creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Soak cashews overnight for the creamiest sauce or boil for 15 minutes if short on time. Use a high-speed blender for best texture. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. Adjust sauce thickness with vegetable broth or simmer longer as needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: dairy-free, Tuscan chicken, cashew cream sauce, gluten-free, dairy-free, easy dinner, creamy sauce, healthy chicken recipe