Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is one of those dishes that just hits all the right notes – rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. I absolutely love how the garlicky sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach come together in a luscious cream sauce that s both indulgent and fresh. You’ll find that it makes for a perfect weeknight dinner but also impresses effortlessly when you have friends over.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how simple it is to make yet feels like something special from a fancy restaurant. The combination of herbs, parmesan, and those savory sun-dried tomatoes really make it worth trying if you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you have this Creamy Tuscan Chicken on your rotation, it ll quickly become a family favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients create the perfect harmony for Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Sourcing quality chicken breasts and fresh spinach makes all the difference, and using good parmesan will really elevate the sauce.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Makes for juicy, tender meat that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary adds classic Tuscan flavors effortlessly.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, helps to bring out all the natural flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right kick and depth.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing veggies to build rich flavors.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for a fragrant, bold undertone that complements the creamy sauce.
• Yellow onion: Finely chopped and sautéed until soft to add sweetness and texture.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Thinly sliced for bursts of tangy, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Baby spinach: Adds freshness and beautiful color to the dish; wilts down nicely in the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, silky base of the sauce; you can substitute with cream alternatives if needed.
• Freshly grated parmesan: Adds cheesy depth and richness that brings the sauce together.

Variations

I like to adapt this Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe depending on what we have on hand or the occasion. Feel free to make it your own – that’s part of the fun!

• Dairy-Free Version: I swapped heavy cream with coconut cream and used nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to make it dairy-free, and it turned out creamy and delicious!
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the sauce a nice subtle heat that my family really enjoys.
• Veggie Boost: Sometimes I add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers sautéed along with the onions for more texture and nutrition.
• Swap the Protein: Shrimp or turkey breasts can also hold up well in this sauce if you want to try something different.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken Thoroughly

I always start by patting the chicken breasts dry and then seasoning both sides generously with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Don t be shy here; seasoning well is key to building layers of flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it s shimmering but not smoking, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until you get a beautiful golden crust. This searing step locks in juices and adds fantastic flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside – it ll finish cooking later in the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions, Garlic, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking just about a minute more until fragrant – you ll smell how tasty this gets!

Step 4: Add the Spinach and Creamy Sauce Components

Next, throw in the baby spinach leaves and sauté for about a minute until they start wilting. Now it s time to pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan. Stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer – this is when the sauce starts thickening and becoming velvety.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in the Cream Sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F if you want to be precise). This final simmer step allows the chicken to soak up all those creamy, herby flavors – making it extra tender and delicious.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor. A little extra shaved parmesan on top doesn t hurt either – it gives that final cheesy touch that makes everyone smile.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with Creamy Tuscan Chicken are creamy mashed potatoes or a simple garlic butter pasta – both soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also add a nice balance of texture and freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I ve plated this with a bed of polenta or served it over creamy risotto, which looks elegant and tastes decadent. I ve also tried stuffing the chicken breasts with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes before cooking to amp up the flavors even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they last well for up to 3 days. The chicken absorbs even more flavor overnight, but I recommend reheating gently to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers by portioning the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. Just make sure it cools completely before freezing. When thawed, the sauce holds up nicely, though I d recommend using it within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickened too much. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky – microwaving can sometimes dry things out, so stovetop is my preferred method.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can t recommend this Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe enough if you’re craving something cozy yet full of flavor. It s easy enough to whip up on a busy night but feels special enough for guests. Every time I make it, I m reminded how a few simple ingredients can turn into something truly fantastic. Give it a try – I think you ll love how it brings a little bit of Tuscan sunshine right to your dinner table.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 124 reviews

• Author: Bertha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe features tender seared chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. The Italian seasoning brings aromatic herbs to the dish, creating a comforting and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 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
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coating of the herbs and spices.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
4. Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant and well combined.
5. Add Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for another minute until the spinach just starts to wilt.
6. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the mixture. Stir everything together well and bring to a gentle simmer to thicken the creamy sauce.
7. Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

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Notes

• You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or other dairy-free cream alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Ensure not to overcook the chicken during searing to keep it juicy and tender.
• Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melting consistency.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (about 1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 140mg