If you’re looking for an easy yet show-stopping dinner, Tuscan Chicken is exactly what you need in your weeknight repertoire. This creamy, sun-drenched dish is bursting with juicy chicken breasts, vibrant tomatoes, tender baby spinach, silky sauce, and just the right touch of parmesan for umami depth. Each bite tastes like a mini-vacation to Northern Italy! Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, Tuscan Chicken has a way of inspiring “oohs” and “aahs” without the stress of fussy steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Tuscan Chicken lies in its short, colorful shopping list. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from building a flavorful base to adding bursts of color and creamy richness. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and quick to cook—they soak up the creamy sauce and remain juicy.
- Olive Oil: Delivers classic Italian flavor and helps you get that golden sear on your chicken.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning each bite right from the start.
- Black Pepper: A bit of heat and depth for perfect, well-rounded flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A lovely blend of herbs to evoke that rustic Tuscan countryside vibe.
- Garlic: Adds a mouthwatering aroma and savory backbone to the sauce.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursts of juicy sweetness and cheerful pops of red that brighten both flavor and color.
- Baby Spinach: A tender green that wilts gently into the sauce, bringing freshness and a boost of nutrients.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomato flavor that lends tanginess and an irresistible Mediterranean flair.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce—pure comfort in every swirl.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too rich.
- Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and instantly makes the dish irresistibly savory.
- Butter: A finish of richness that brings everything together and adds a beautiful shine to the sauce.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by laying out your chicken breasts and patting them dry—this helps them sear rather than steam. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This quick prep step not only flavors the meat deeply but also sets you up for a gorgeous golden crust in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 5–6 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through. The key is not to fuss—let the chicken form a crust before flipping. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside, keeping those flavorful drippings in the skillet.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just about a minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, stirring for about 2–3 minutes. This quick sauté releases the tomatoes’ sweetness and infuses any leftover browned bits from the chicken into the veggies.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring it all to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in that magical parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. The sauce will thicken beautifully, becoming creamy and fragrant, with flecks of tomato and garlic running throughout.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach & Finish
Add the baby spinach and stir just until it wilts, turning emerald green and melding into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon plenty of sauce on top. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 more minutes, so the flavors meld and the chicken soaks up that irresistible Tuscan Chicken flavor.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken
Garnishes
Finish your Tuscan Chicken with a handful of extra parmesan, a scatter of chopped fresh parsley, or a few grinds of black pepper. These simple garnishes make every plate look restaurant-worthy and add a last pop of freshness and aroma.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish shines alongside twirls of al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter meal, try serving with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Tuscan Chicken into a wow-worthy one-pan meal by serving directly from the skillet family-style. Or, for extra elegance, slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of polenta, drizzling with sauce and finishing with delicate microgreens or edible flowers for a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers delicious for easy lunches or future dinners.
Freezing
Tuscan Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, making sure to leave a little space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat Tuscan Chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can toughen the chicken and split the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and rich flavor to Tuscan Chicken, and they’re a great swap if you prefer darker meat or happen to have some on hand.
Is there a lighter dairy-free version?
For a dairy-free take, use canned coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan. You’ll still get lovely creaminess and depth in the sauce.
What are the best sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe?
Look for sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, as they’re softer and richer in flavor. Just drain well before adding to the skillet, and chop for easy eating.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
The trick is not to overcook it: sear until just golden and cooked through, then let it finish in the sauce, which keeps it moist and flavorful.
Can I make Tuscan Chicken ahead for guests?
Yes! You can prepare Tuscan Chicken up to a day in advance. Simply store covered in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop before serving so the sauce stays silky.
Final Thoughts
Give this Tuscan Chicken recipe a try next time you crave something cozy, creamy, and just a little bit special. It’s the kind of meal that feels like you’re dining somewhere sunlit and scenic, but you get to enjoy every bite at your very own table. Don’t be surprised if this becomes the dish everyone requests again and again!
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Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful Tuscan Chicken cooked in a creamy, savory sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cook until softened. Stir in broth and cream, bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, stir until melted. Add spinach, cook until wilted.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
