Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet with Tomatoes & Herbs

This creamy Tuscan chicken skillet is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Juicy seared chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh herbs. It’s a rustic yet elegant dish that feels like a restaurant-quality dinner but is easy enough for weeknights. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
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2 cups fresh spinach
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan until melted and sauce thickens.
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Add spinach and cook until wilted. Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, thighs add more flavor and stay extra juicy.
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Can I substitute cream? Half-and-half works, but the sauce will be thinner. For a lighter option, try evaporated milk.
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Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes? They add depth, but roasted red peppers are a good alternative.
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What’s the best pasta to serve with this? Fettuccine, penne, or even gnocchi pair beautifully.
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Can I make this dairy-free? Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
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Can I add mushrooms? Yes, sauté mushrooms with the garlic for extra richness.
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How long does it store? Up to 3 days in the fridge, reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
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Can I freeze it? The sauce may separate, so freezing isn’t ideal.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan chicken is a timeless comfort dish that balances richness with freshness. The creamy sauce, savory chicken, and fragrant herbs make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests.
Fresh Lime & Avocado Fish Ceviche
Refreshing, zesty, and light—this fish ceviche is marinated in lime juice until tender, then tossed with creamy avocado, red onion, cilantro, and chili for a vibrant dish. It’s a coastal favorite, perfect for summer or any time you crave fresh, clean flavors. Serve it chilled with tortilla chips, tostadas, or simply as a starter.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) white fish (tilapia, halibut, or cod), diced
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1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8 limes)
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1 red onion, finely chopped
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1 jalapeño or chili pepper, minced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
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1 large avocado, cubed
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Tortilla chips or tostadas, for serving
Instructions
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Place diced fish in a glass or ceramic bowl (not metal). Pour lime juice over and stir. Cover and refrigerate 30–45 minutes until the fish turns opaque.
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Drain most of the lime juice, leaving a few tablespoons for flavor.
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Stir in red onion, jalapeño, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Mix gently to avoid crushing the avocado.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve chilled with tortilla chips or tostadas.
FAQs
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What type of fish works best? Firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia works well.
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Is the fish safe to eat raw? The lime juice “cooks” it, but always use the freshest fish possible.
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Can I make it ahead? Yes, but add avocado right before serving to avoid browning.
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How long does ceviche last? Best eaten the same day, but up to 24 hours in the fridge.
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Can I add shrimp? Yes, parboil shrimp 1–2 minutes before marinating.
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Can I use lemon instead of lime? Lime is traditional, but lemon works in a pinch.
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How spicy should it be? Adjust chili to your taste—use jalapeño for mild, habanero for heat.
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What do I serve it with? Tortilla chips, tostadas, or lettuce cups make great serving options.
Conclusion
Fresh lime and avocado fish ceviche is crisp, tangy, and vibrant. It’s the perfect no-cook dish for hot days and a refreshing appetizer that highlights the natural flavors of fish and citrus.
PrintCreamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet with Tomatoes & Herbs
A rich and creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet made with tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. A one-pan meal bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in spinach and fresh basil until wilted.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with extra basil and serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for variation.
- Dairy-free cream alternatives can be used for lactose intolerance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken skillet, sun-dried tomato chicken, one-pan chicken dinner, Italian chicken recipe