Picture this: tender, golden-seared chicken simmering in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, loaded with fresh spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is luxurious enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’re dining in a cozy Italian bistro—without ever leaving home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a total flavor bomb with minimal effort! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors. Plus, it all comes together in just one pan—because fewer dishes = more joy.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy the meal.
- Restaurant-Quality: Silky, luxurious sauce with perfectly seared chicken.
- Customizable: Swap out the protein or add more veggies to make it your own.
- Dinner in 30 Minutes: A dream come true for busy weeknights.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tips
- If your chicken breasts are too thick, slice them in half for even cooking.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Want an extra creamy sauce? Stir in a bit of cream cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season and Sear: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
- Add Spinach & Chicken: Toss in the fresh spinach, stirring until wilted. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes until fully cooked.
- Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
- Love a little crunch? Add crispy pancetta or bacon for even more depth of flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make it Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Switch the Protein: Try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
- Add More Veggies: Mushrooms or roasted bell peppers make a great addition.
- Spicy Kick: Crank up the heat with extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Warm it up in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.
Can I use something other than heavy cream?
Absolutely! Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese will also work.
Recipe Card
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear in olive oil for 5 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
- Add spinach, then return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear all about it! Leave a comment below, or tag me on Instagram @TheKitchensAid so I can see your delicious creations. Happy cooking! 🍽️