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.
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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.
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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!
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!
Ingredients
Scale
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.