One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love how this One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe combines rich flavors with a simple cooking process. The creamy sauce, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach make for a comforting dish that feels fancy but is actually quite easy to pull off. Whenever I’m short on time but want something hearty and impressive, this recipe is my go-to.

You’ll find that this One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe works beautifully for weeknight dinners or even for a casual weekend meal with friends. Plus, the fact that everything cooks in one skillet means less cleanup, which makes it even more appealing when your schedule is packed or you’d rather just kick back. Trust me, once you make this, it quickly becomes a family favorite!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to build layers of flavor for this One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe. Each component has a role, whether it’s the sweetness from the caramelized onion or the tangy depth from sun-dried tomatoes.

• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a savory base when sautéed.
• Garlic cloves: Brings aromatic punch to brighten up the dish.
• Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Their concentrated tang adds a special touch — be sure to drain them well.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for creaminess and a slight nuttiness.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Butterflied for even cooking and tenderness.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out natural flavors.
• Olive oil: For searing chicken and sautéing veggies — quality oil makes a difference.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds that classic Tuscan touch.
• Baby spinach: Adds freshness and color, wilting quickly into the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that ties everything together.

Variations

I love that this One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe is so adaptable. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or dietary needs, and I encourage you to make it your own too!

• Veggie Boost: I sometimes add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor — they soak up that creamy sauce wonderfully.
• Low Carb/Keto: This recipe is naturally low-carb, but swapping heavy cream for coconut cream can give it a nice twist.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step gives it a lovely warmth that my family adores.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan to keep it creamy without dairy.

How to Make One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken Like a Pro

Start by slicing those chicken breasts horizontally — this butterfly technique helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Pat them dry with paper towels, which is a game-changer because it helps you get that beautiful golden sear. Season the chicken all over with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, and you’re ready for the skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers — that’s your signal the pan is hot enough. Lay half of the chicken down carefully and let it cook undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes. Patience here is key because flipping too soon prevents browning. Once nicely browned, flip and repeat for the other side. Transfer the chicken to a plate (it will finish cooking later), then add the remaining oil and repeat with the rest. This method seals in moisture and flavor beautifully.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce Right in the Pan

Drop the heat down to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning — a quick minute here releases those herbaceous and tangy aromas that make your kitchen smell incredible. Add the baby spinach in handfuls, stirring until it just wilts down, keeping things vibrant and fresh.

Step 4: Cream It Up and Simmer to Perfection

Now, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and pour in the heavy cream along with the last bit of salt. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer, scraping those tasty browned bits off the bottom — they hold so much flavor! Then nestle the partially cooked chicken back into the pan with any juices from the plate. Let it cook quietly until the chicken hits 165ºF on an instant-read thermometer, usually 4 to 7 minutes depending on thickness. This final simmer gives you a thick, luscious sauce and juicy chicken every time.

How to Serve One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top right before serving — it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that cut through the richness. A little extra shaved Parmesan never hurts either; it brightens the flavors and looks classy on the plate.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe are garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. Sometimes I’ll keep things lighter with roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this chicken on a platter layered with fresh arugula and thinly sliced toasted baguette rounds alongside. It turns this simple dinner into a rustic Tuscan feast. Adding a drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze can also amp up the flavor and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce thickens as it cools, so I add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring it back to that creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, but I recommend freezing without spinach for better texture after thawing. You can add fresh spinach when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

I reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. This helps the chicken stay tender and the sauce creamy without breaking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s reliably delicious and pretty straightforward. It feels like a fancy Italian trattoria meal but without the hassle or long prep. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as satisfying for yourself and your loved ones as I do — trust me, you’ll want to make this a staple in your dinner rotation!

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