This easy creamy Tuscan chicken recipe is a one-pan wonder that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce filled with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and elegance, making it ideal for both a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is quick, flavorful, and versatile. The creamy sauce feels indulgent but comes together in minutes, while the chicken stays tender and juicy. Plus, you don’t need fancy ingredients to whip up something that tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick peek at the ingredients. The full list is below in the recipe card.
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh baby spinach
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil and butter for cooking
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Directions to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and butter, then sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Chicken
Toss the spinach into the sauce and stir until it wilts. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley if you like.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Sear the chicken until golden, but don’t worry about fully cooking it in the first step—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
- Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and a smooth sauce. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
- Layer the seasoning: Season the chicken and the sauce to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the protein: Use shrimp, salmon, or even pork chops instead of chicken.
- Lighten it up: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Herb boost: Add fresh basil or thyme to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Creamy Tuscan chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy flavors perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to thin the sauce if needed. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may cause the cream to separate.
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Thighs are a great option and tend to stay even juicier.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dish and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: It’s not ideal to freeze this dish as the cream sauce can separate, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently, stirring often.
Conclusion
This easy creamy Tuscan chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to make, full of bold, comforting flavors, and versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it for guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of Tuscany right at home!
Print
Quick and Creamy Tuscan-Style Chicken Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Quick and Creamy Tuscan-Style Chicken Delight is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. This one-pan meal is quick to make yet packed with savory, comforting flavors that will transport you to Italy with every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add the Cheese and Vegetables: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the spinach wilts.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Tuscan-style chicken with a drizzle of sauce, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg