Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce, studded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner yet elegant enough to serve to guests. This one-pan recipe delivers bold Italian flavors with minimal effort.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)olive oilgarlic (minced)heavy creamchicken brothparmesan cheese (grated)sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)baby spinachsaltblack pepperItalian seasoningcornstarch (optional, for thickening)
directions
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted.
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors. If the sauce is too thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Swap spinach for kale for a more robust green.
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and the flavors deepen overnight.
What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it is low in carbs and high in fat, making it keto-friendly.
Can I freeze Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
The cream sauce may separate when frozen, so freezing is not recommended.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk will result in a thinner sauce, but adding a bit of cornstarch can help thicken it.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I add white wine?
Yes, replace part of the broth with dry white wine for extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a flavorful, one-pan wonder that brings together the richness of cream, the tang of sun-dried tomatoes, and the freshness of spinach. It’s easy to make yet tastes like a restaurant-quality dish. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this creamy delight is sure to impress.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.