This chicken is suppose to be a copycat of the Olive Garden’s Tuscan Garlic Chicken.  I have never tasted it so I can’t tell you if they taste alike.  All I can tell you is that this chicken is delicious and is just like you had ordered it from a restaurant.  The chicken is lightly breaded topped with a creamy flavorful sauce with spinach and red bell peppers.  Don’t worry too much about the calories because the chicken is lightly browned with a little bit of olive oil and then finished cooking in the oven.  While the sauce usually calls for all heavy cream this is made with a combination of cream, lowfat milk and cornstarch.  Although it is far from calorie free you can still enjoy eating this and don’t have to feel so guilty after you have finished your entire plate:)

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (about 4-5 cloves)
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips or chopped
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 6 ounces fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 cup lowfat milk
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound fettuccine

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.    In a shallow pie plate or similar dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, basil and oregano. Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture until both sides are well coated.    In a large 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat until the oil is hot and shimmering. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden and browned but not cooked all the way through (they’ll finish up in the oven). Don’t scoot the chicken around once you lay it in the hot oil! Let the oil work it’s magic to sear the crust on the chicken. If you get all antsy and try flipping too early and/or moving the chicken around the pan, the breading is lightly to fall off. Gently remove the chicken to a foil-lined, lightly greased baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Set aside and tent with foil until ready to use.    While the chicken is cooking, heat a large pot of water to a boil and add the noodles, cooking until al dente. Also, wipe out the skillet with a couple paper towels and return it to medium heat, adding the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and bell pepper, sauteing for 2-3 minutes.  Stir in one tablespoon flour and stir constantly while cooking for another minute. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a low simmer, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. In a small liquid measure, whisk together the cornstarch and cream. Add the spinach, milk and cream mixture to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and sauce is slightly thickened, about 2-4 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.  When the pasta has finished cooking, drain and return it to the pot. Toss the pasta with half of the cheese sauce. Place some of the coated pasta on each plate. Top with a breaded chicken breast and spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken and pasta. Serve immediately.

Recipe from More of America’s Most Wanted Recipes and Mels Kitchen Cafe