Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. The flavors are comforting yet elegant, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special dinners at home.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes, and it always tastes incredible. I once tried it with zucchini noodles for a lighter version, and the cream sauce still worked beautifully. The best part? It all comes together in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy a cozy meal.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken – A Rich and Flavorful One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish made with juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s a restaurant-style meal that comes together quickly for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. If the sauce is too thin, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reheat and coat the chicken.
- Serve warm with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra juiciness.
- Add mushrooms for more depth of flavor.
- Pairs well with garlic bread or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
Olive oil
Used for searing the chicken, olive oil adds flavor and ensures a golden crust.
Garlic
Fresh garlic brings depth and a savory note that balances the creaminess.
Sun-dried tomatoes
These add a slightly tangy and sweet flavor, giving the sauce its signature Tuscan flair.
Heavy cream
The base of the sauce, heavy cream creates richness and a silky texture.
Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding nuttiness and enhancing its flavor.
Spinach
Fresh baby spinach provides color, texture, and a healthy balance to the richness of the cream.
Chicken broth
Adds depth to the sauce and prevents it from becoming too heavy.
Italian seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme infuses the sauce with classic Italian flavors.
Salt and black pepper
Seasoning that enhances the chicken and ties all the ingredients together.
Directions
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, followed by chicken broth. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to release flavors. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Stir well, then add Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add spinach and cook until just wilted. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Let everything simmer for a few more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Serve hot with pasta, rice, or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Equipment needed
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, cooking requires 25 minutes, making the total time approximately 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as cream sauces may separate when thawed.
Variations and Customizations
Tuscan Chicken with Mushrooms
Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra earthiness.
Lighter Version
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.
Keto-Friendly Option
Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Tuscan Chicken with Shrimp
Add shrimp along with the chicken for a surf-and-turf twist.
Spicy Tuscan Chicken
Stir in red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Cheesy Tuscan Chicken
Mix in mozzarella or cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Toss the chicken and sauce directly with cooked pasta for a one-dish meal.
Dairy-Free Version
Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
Herb-Infused Sauce
Add fresh basil or parsley for brightness before serving.
Tuscan Chicken Bake
Transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for a bubbly finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work beautifully and stay even juicier.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or light cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but store the sauce separately and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
You can, but the flavor will be less intense.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a luxurious meal. With tender chicken, a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, and the bright flavors of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish offers a comforting yet elegant dining experience. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite that will impress family and guests alike.