Picture this: a creamy, flavorful sauce filled with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach, gently hugging tender, juicy chicken breasts. Creamy Tuscan Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Perfect for a family dinner or a romantic night in, this one-pan dish brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.
The best part? It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Let’s dive into everything you need to create this indulgent masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy sauce is packed with Italian-inspired ingredients that burst with flavor.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Customizable: You can adapt it to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent dish:
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 (6 oz each) | Pounded to an even thickness for even cooking. |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | A blend of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary. |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp | Enhances the natural flavors. |
| Freshly ground black pepper | ½ tsp | Adds a touch of spice. |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tbsp | For searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics. |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced | Provides a rich, aromatic base. |
| Yellow onion | ¼ cup, finely chopped | Adds depth to the sauce. |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | ½ cup, thinly sliced | Sweet and tangy, they’re a star ingredient. |
| Baby spinach | 2 cups | Adds color, flavor, and nutrition. |
| Heavy cream | 1 ½ cups | Creates the luxurious sauce. Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup, freshly grated | Infuses the sauce with a savory richness. |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Tuscan Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
4. Build the Sauce
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, letting them warm through for 1–2 minutes.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
5. Add the Spinach and Parmesan
- Add the baby spinach, stirring gently until it wilts.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
6. Return the Chicken to the Pan
- Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your Creamy Tuscan Chicken warm, with the sauce spooned generously over the top.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Perfect Pairings
- Pasta: Toss fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne in the sauce for a complete meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Rice or Quinoa: A great option for a lighter side dish.
- Crusty Bread: Use it to mop up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken
1. Choose the Right Pan
- Use a large skillet with high sides to prevent the sauce from spilling over.
2. Don’t Skip the Sear
- Searing the chicken creates a flavorful crust and locks in the juices.
3. Adjust the Consistency
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
4. Make It Dairy-Free
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese.
5. Amp Up the Flavor
- Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan before adding the cream for a touch of acidity.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
Why Creamy Tuscan Chicken Is Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party yet quick enough for a busy weeknight. The creamy sauce, combined with the tender chicken, creates a dish that feels both comforting and luxurious.
FAQs About Creamy Tuscan Chicken
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and may even stay juicier. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. Store them separately and combine them just before serving.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
4. Can I freeze Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
While the chicken freezes well, the cream-based sauce may separate when reheated. For best results, make it fresh.
5. What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers make a great alternative.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Bring Restaurant-Quality Flavors to Your Kitchen
Ready to impress your family or guests with a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious? Creamy Tuscan Chicken combines the best of creamy sauces, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors for a meal that’s truly unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Serve it with a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade to complete your meal. Try it tonight, and let the compliments roll in!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken: A Rich and Elegant One-Pan Dish
A rich and elegant one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1½ cups heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics:
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and softened. - Build the Sauce:
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. - Add Spinach and Parmesan:
Add baby spinach and gently stir until wilted. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce. - Return the Chicken:
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). - Serve:
Serve the chicken warm, generously topped with the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- For a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth.
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan before adding the cream for extra flavor.