I absolutely love this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe because it s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for company but is surprisingly quick and simple to make on a weeknight. When I first tried this recipe, I was immediately hooked by how the silky cream sauce melds perfectly with savory sun-dried tomatoes and tender spinach – it just melts in your mouth. Plus, it s a fantastic way to jazz up ordinary chicken breasts without needing a million ingredients or complicated steps.
You’ll find that this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends without breaking a sweat. The combination of aromatic garlic and parmesan cheese makes every bite irresistibly flavorful, and the sauce is so luscious that it s practically begging for a side of crusty bread or pasta. Believe me, once you make it, your family will be asking for it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses kitchen staples with a few special touches like sun-dried tomatoes for big flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, perfect when you want a filling meal without the fuss.
- Versatile: Adaptable with dairy-free options or variations to suit your taste and lifestyle.
- Family-Friendly: Mild, creamy, and comforting-kids and adults both love it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that define a wonderful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe. Pro tip: grab good quality sun-dried tomatoes-they really make a huge difference.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for tender results; even thickness helps them cook evenly.
- Italian seasoning: A convenient blend, but feel free to mix your own with oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary for freshness.
- Kosher salt: For seasoning the chicken well-salt brings out all the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little kick and depth.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use it for searing and sautéing to add subtle richness without overpowering.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is a must here, it adds aromatic warmth and that savory punch.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped, it softens into sweetness that balances the dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Thinly sliced to infuse the creamy sauce with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
- Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a gentle earthiness; it wilts perfectly into the sauce.
- Heavy cream: For that luscious, rich sauce-swap with coconut cream or add nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor-instant umami boost.
Variations
I love to personalize this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe depending on the season or what I have in my pantry-don t hesitate to mix it up and make it your own. It s an easy base to experiment with new flavors and textures, so if you enjoy customizing, you ll find lots of fun ways to do it here.
- Protein swap: I sometimes use turkey breasts or pork chops instead of chicken, and it still turns out deliciously creamy and tender.
- Dairy-free: When cooking for friends who are dairy-free, I swap heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast instead of parmesan-still rich and flavorful.
- Extra veggies: Adding mushrooms or bell peppers gives more texture and a veggie boost-my family loves when I sneak in some extras.
- Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic gives the sauce a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken Like a Pro
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels-this helps them get that beautiful golden sear. Season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Don t be shy here; seasoning is key to building deep flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown. Don t rush it or keep flipping-you want that lovely crust. Once done, transfer them to a plate to rest while you start the sauce.
Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in your finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional minute. This step releases all those gorgeous flavors and aromas!
Step 4: Wilt Your Spinach and Simmer the Sauce
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and sauté just until it begins to wilt, about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer-this is where the magic happens as the sauce thickens and absorbs all those rich flavors.
Step 5: Finish It Off with the Chicken
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the creamy sauce and let everything cook together over low heat for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and cooked to your liking. This final simmer lets the chicken soak up the sauce, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them evenly before cooking to ensure they cook through without drying out.
- Searing Patience: Don t flip the chicken too soon; waiting for a golden crust helps lock in juices and flavor.
- Sauce Perfection: Let the cream and parmesan simmer gently-high heat can cause the sauce to separate.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Selection: I prefer oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes as they have a richer flavor; just drain them a bit before slicing.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top just before serving, plus some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness-it really brightens the creamy richness. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper on top adds the finishing touch I love.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are buttery garlic mashed potatoes or simple buttered pasta to soak up all that amazing sauce. Roasted asparagus or green beans bring a crunchy balance, and occasionally, I pair it with a light Caesar salad for some crisp freshness on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the chicken sliced on top of creamy polenta or risotto, garnished with sun-dried tomato curls and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated touch. It turns into quite the showstopper without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, I store any leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps nicely for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for easy lunches or a quick dinner later in the week.
Freezing
I ve frozen this dish a couple of times with good results. To freeze, scoop the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. When thawed, it s best to warm it gently on the stove to keep the sauce from breaking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. I avoid the microwave because I find slow stove reheating helps the cream sauce stay smooth and prevents it from curdling or separating.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and often stay more moist and tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach doneness. Sear them until golden, then proceed with the sauce as usual.
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What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
If you re looking for a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream is a great substitute and still creates a creamy sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
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Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes? What can I substitute?
Sun-dried tomatoes are key for that signature tang and sweetness, but if you don t have them, chopped roasted red peppers can add a similar sweetness and color. Fresh tomatoes won t have the same intensity but can work in a pinch-just cook them down a bit to concentrate the flavor.
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How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer-the internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C). If you don t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it s one of those comforting dishes that s elegant yet super approachable. I love how everyone feels a little spoiled when they dig into the creamy sauce, but you ll appreciate how easy and forgiving it is to prepare. Trust me-once you ve had this on your table, it s going to become your go-to recipe whenever you want something tasty, creamy, and guaranteed to please.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner and comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or use 1-2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a dairy-free substitute)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the finely chopped yellow onions. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweetness.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic: Stir in the thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Continue sautéing for about 1 minute until you can smell the fragrant aroma of garlic.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until just starting to wilt, incorporating the leafy greens into the sauce.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and meld flavors.
- Finish cooking the chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and cooked to your preferred doneness.
Notes
- For an easy sun-dried tomato choice, the Alessi brand is highly recommended for its quality and flavor.
- Dairy-free option: substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with 1 to 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor without dairy.
- If using very large or thick chicken breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness or butterflying them to ensure even and faster cooking.
- When searing thicker chicken breasts, you may need to increase the searing time to achieve a golden crust and thorough cooking.
- For those interested in dinnerware, similar black-rimmed plates to the ones pictured can be found online for an elegant dining presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
