If you are looking for a dish that combines rich flavors with a comforting, creamy texture, then this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It features tender chicken cutlets cooked in a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all seasoned perfectly with Italian herbs. Every bite bursts with warmth and depth, making it the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again for family dinners or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe lies in a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in layering flavors and textures—from the olive oil that starts the sear to the fresh spinach that adds vibrant color and nutrients.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that beautiful golden crust on the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enhances the sauce’s smooth, velvety texture and deepens the flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Basic but crucial seasoning that elevates every component.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large breasts): Lean and tender, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and a mild bite when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and depth to the dish.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped: Offers a tangy, concentrated flavor punch with a chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, plus more to taste: A fragrant blend that defines the Tuscan flair of the recipe.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, giving it luscious creaminess and weight.
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine): Balances richness and adds a subtle savory note.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses sharp, nutty flavors and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1-2 cups baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a boost of nutrients.
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional): Brightens the final presentation and adds an herbal finish.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise, turning two large breasts into four thin cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Each piece gets a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper—you want that seasoning to penetrate the meat and set the base for bold flavors.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil and butter together over medium heat to create the perfect cooking medium. Adding the chicken cutlets to the warmed skillet, cook them until each side develops a gorgeous golden crust and the chicken is fully cooked through. This step locks in juiciness and gives your dish that restaurant-quality texture. Once done, gently remove the chicken and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet (no need to wash it – that’s where the magic is), sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent and soft. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook just about a minute until fragrant—you want to avoid burning to maintain a mellow, aromatic note. Then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, letting those flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth or dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Slowly add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to combine everything into a rich, smooth sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to perfectly balance richness and brightness.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Return Chicken
Now it’s time to add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce. Stir it in and cook just until it wilts, adding a fresh, green element that softens the richness slightly while contributing great color contrast. Finally, nestle your cooked chicken back into the skillet and spoon plenty of that luscious sauce over the top, warming everything together for a few minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Creamy Tuscan Chicken piping hot, garnished with vibrant fresh parsley or basil if you like. These herbs add a bright, fresh finish that makes every forkful taste like a little celebration on your plate.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in elevating this dish. Fresh parsley or basil not only adds lovely pops of green but also a fragrant freshness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. You might also sprinkle a touch more Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a fluffy bed of rice to soak up every last drop of sauce. For a lighter option, steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables bring balance and a splash of color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the dish over cooked pasta like fettuccine or linguine to turn it into a hearty pasta dinner. You can also spoon the sauce over roasted cauliflower steaks or use the chicken and sauce as a filling inside warm pita pockets for a fun twist on traditional presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the dish again without losing any of that creamy flavor.
Freezing
While the sauce is fantastic fresh, you can freeze portions of cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve the texture and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming can help refresh the sauce’s creamy consistency without separating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving during cooking, which means you might get an even moister result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with chopped roasted red peppers or even a handful of cherry tomatoes for a fresher, lighter variation. It will alter the flavor subtly but still be delicious.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile somewhat but still yield a creamy result.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check your seasoning blends to avoid any hidden gluten ingredients.
How spicy is this dish?
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe is mild and comforting, focused on creamy, herby, and tangy flavors rather than heat. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking if you want a bit of a kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and never fails to impress anyone lucky enough to get a taste. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve for guests, making it a true kitchen champion. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, parmesan, and creamy heavy cream. This easy-to-make skillet recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that delivers Mediterranean-inspired flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large breasts)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, plus more to taste
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 cups baby spinach
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sun-dried Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, combining well with onions and garlic for a robust flavor base.
- Create Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth or dry white wine to deglaze the pan, then add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Wilt Spinach: Add baby spinach to the sauce and cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the creamy sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spoon the creamy Tuscan sauce over the top, and heat through briefly. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with dry white wine for a more pronounced flavor.
- Adjust the amount of spinach to your preference; the sauce can accommodate more or less.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer taste; just drain excess oil before chopping.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
