There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy flavor of Baked Tuscan Chicken filling your kitchen with its irresistible aroma. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luxurious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a comforting meal that's as impressive as it is easy to make.
I first fell in love with this dish after a trip to Italy, where I discovered the magic of Tuscan flavors. The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan creates a depth of taste that feels indulgent yet approachable. Now, this recipe is a staple in my home, perfect for weeknights and special occasions alike.
Why You'll Love This Baked Tuscan Chicken
Get ready to add this Baked Tuscan Chicken to your list of favorite meals. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the dinner table.
First, it's a one-pan wonder. Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. No need to juggle multiple pots and pans—just prep, bake, and serve.
This dish is also restaurant-quality without the effort. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, tastes like something you'd order at a high-end Italian bistro—but it comes together in under an hour in your own kitchen.
Not to mention, it's a low-carb, keto-friendly option. If you're cutting back on carbs, this dish fits the bill perfectly while still being incredibly satisfying. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Plus, it's great for meal prep. The flavors only get better over time, making it perfect for leftovers and easy lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Baked Tuscan Chicken comes from its simple yet bold ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building the rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor profile.
Chicken breasts are the star of this dish. I recommend using boneless, skinless breasts for a leaner option, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier bite.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Be sure to use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and richness.
A combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates the luxurious sauce. The heavy cream ensures a thick, velvety consistency, while the Parmesan adds that unmistakable nutty, savory kick.
Fresh spinach not only adds color but also balances out the richness of the sauce. It wilts perfectly as the chicken bakes, making every bite a perfect mix of creamy, cheesy goodness and fresh greens.
You'll also need garlic and Italian seasoning to enhance the Tuscan flavors. These pantry staples tie everything together, infusing the dish with warmth and depth.
A large oven-safe skillet or baking dish is the only special equipment required. This ensures even cooking and makes it easy to serve straight from the pan.
How To Make This Baked Tuscan Chicken
Making this dish is simpler than you might think. A few easy steps will lead to a creamy, flavor-packed meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. While the oven heats up, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Next, heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds an extra layer of flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to the baking dish.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add minced garlic. Let it cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan, letting the cheese melt into the sauce. Add in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let everything simmer for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavors.
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, making sure they're well coated. Scatter fresh spinach on top—it will wilt beautifully as the chicken bakes.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce will be bubbling, and the kitchen will smell incredible.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite every time.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them easily for another meal.
Keep the Baked Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers even tastier.
To freeze, place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
For reheating, warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of cream if needed to refresh the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily switch things up to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The sauce won't be as rich, but it'll still be delicious.
If you prefer a dairy-free option, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. You'll get a similar creamy texture with a slightly different flavor profile.
Want to make it extra hearty? Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for extra depth and texture.
For a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish.
You can even make this into a Tuscan Chicken Pasta by serving it over cooked fettuccine or penne. Just spoon the sauce over the pasta and toss to coat.
No matter how you make it, this Baked Tuscan Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it once, and you'll be hooked!
PrintBaked Tuscan Chicken Recipe
This Baked Tuscan Chicken recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish made with juicy chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well.
- Add Parmesan cheese and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and transfer to the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
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