If you're looking for a rich and flavorful dinner recipe, then you're in the right place. Creamy Tuscan Chicken combines tender chicken breasts, a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes in a delightful, restaurant-quality dish. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to prepare a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Keep reading to learn how to make this delectable dish at home!
What is Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a popular Italian-American dish that blends tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with a creamy garlic sauce, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It's packed with rich flavors and makes for a comforting yet elegant meal that’s perfect for weeknights and special occasions alike. The sauce alone is so tasty you’ll want to sop it up with some crusty bread or spoon it over pasta or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients List for Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, packed
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Ingredients List for Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce and helps deglaze the pan after cooking the chicken.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami notes and thickness to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for an added touch of Tuscan flair.
Substitutions and Variations
- If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be less thick.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The sauce will still be creamy, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
- You can replace the sun-dried tomatoes with cherry tomatoes if you prefer a fresher taste.
- If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard as a substitute. Both will hold up well in the creamy sauce.
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Simply sauté them with the garlic in the first step.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top of the chicken. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
How to Cook Creamy Tuscan Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Season and pan-sear the chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Make a garlic-infused sauce by sautéing garlic and deglazing the pan with chicken broth.
- Add cream and Parmesan for a smooth, rich sauce.
- Incorporate spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb all the goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can become dry and tough if overcooked. Make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can easily burn, which will leave a bitter taste in the sauce. Keep an eye on it and sauté just until fragrant.
- Not Deglazing the Pan: Don’t skip the step of adding chicken broth to the pan after cooking the chicken. This not only adds flavor but helps you scrape up all the browned bits, which are packed with flavor.
- Not Wilting the Spinach: Be sure to give the spinach enough time to wilt in the sauce. If it’s added too late, it will remain raw and fibrous.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving, presentation can make a huge difference in how appetizing a dish looks. Creamy Tuscan Chicken is as beautiful as it is delicious, and there are a few ways to elevate its appearance.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. For a light option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. If you prefer something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta work wonderfully to soak up the flavorful sauce. Another great option is serving it with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts on a serving plate, then spoon the creamy sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of green color.
- Add a few extra sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for added flair.
- Serve the chicken alongside a vibrant green salad or roasted vegetables for a contrast in colors and textures.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce separately up to one day ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, then reheat the sauce and combine with the chicken when ready to serve.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded varieties. It will melt more smoothly into the sauce and add a richer taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs are a great option. They are often more flavorful and remain juicy, even if cooked a little longer. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
- Can I freeze Creamy Tuscan Chicken? Yes, you can freeze this dish. However, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon reheating. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Keep in mind that using a lighter option will result in a thinner sauce.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus would be delicious additions to this dish. Just make sure to sauté them before adding the liquids to the sauce.
- What can I serve this dish with? Creamy Tuscan Chicken pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even a simple side of crusty bread.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a delightful dish that is sure to impress your family or dinner guests. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion. Try it out today and enjoy the delicious flavors of Tuscany from the comfort of your own kitchen!
PrintCreamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe features succulent chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this one-pan dish is bursting with flavor and sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Add spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through, then serve hot.
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed vegetables.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more broth if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
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