Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that brings the classic taste of Italy to your dinner table. Juicy seared chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh herbs. This one-skillet meal is both elegant and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines comforting ingredients with bold Mediterranean flavors. The savory sauce—made with cream, garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes—is perfectly balanced and satisfying. It’s a one-pan dish that requires minimal clean-up and is ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete and hearty meal. The combination of creamy texture, tangy tomatoes, and tender chicken makes this a timeless classic.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Olive oil

• Garlic

• Onion

• Sun-dried tomatoes

• Fresh spinach

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Grated parmesan cheese

• Italian seasoning

• Chicken broth

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

directions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.

4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a couple of minutes.

5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.

6. Add spinach and stir until wilted.

7. Return chicken to the pan and simmer in the sauce for several minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

8. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This dish serves approximately 4 people. Total preparation and cooking time is about 30 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking.

Variations

• Low-carb/keto: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

• Add heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy version.

• More veggies: Include mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

• Use thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a richer taste.

• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of cream and parmesan.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warm. Add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thawed and drained frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk are good alternatives.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but only add it at the end to warm through—avoid overcooking.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Simmer the sauce on low heat and avoid boiling after adding the cream.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare up to 1 day in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, but verify that the chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What pasta pairs well with this dish?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are great options for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Can I make this without parmesan?

Yes, though the flavor will change. Try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with water).

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely. Store in meal containers with your preferred sides and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a simple yet luxurious dish that blends rustic Italian flavors with modern comfort food. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, it’s a recipe that suits both family dinners and dinner parties alike. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.

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