This Tuscan Chicken recipe brings together tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and the bold flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. It’s a quick, easy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any weeknight. With a rich blend of Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, it’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a taste of Italy at home.
Why We Love This
Tuscan Chicken is the ultimate comfort meal that brings bold, Italian-inspired flavors straight to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this dish is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress. Here’s why we absolutely love it:
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The sauce is the heart of this dish, made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of Italian seasoning. It’s smooth, savory, and perfectly complements the tender chicken.
- Packed with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic add a punch of flavor, while fresh spinach gives the dish a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
- Quick and Easy: This is a one-pan recipe that requires minimal prep and cook time. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the recipe to your liking, whether you prefer chicken breasts or thighs, and it pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta, rice, or vegetables.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy, flavorful nature of the dish makes it a hit with both kids and adults. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them asking for seconds.
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s quick to make and even quicker to disappear, this Tuscan Chicken recipe is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose chicken breasts for a lean option or thighs for juiciness and flavor.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps sear the chicken and adds flavor. You can use avocado oil if needed.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds rich flavor. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, umami flavor. Use oil-packed ones for extra taste.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds freshness. You can swap it for kale or arugula.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds depth to the sauce. Use fresh, grated Parmesan for the best texture.
Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning adds the classic Tuscan flavor to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper season the dish and balance the flavors.
Instructions
Ready to make this creamy, flavor-packed Tuscan Chicken? Follow these simple steps for a meal that’s both easy and impressive:
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set it aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic for 1 minute, then add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes.
Add the Spinach and Cream: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Add heavy cream and simmer to thicken.
Finish the Sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese and more Italian seasoning. Simmer until creamy. Adjust seasoning.
Return the Chicken to the Pan: Put the chicken back in the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken with pasta, rice, or vegetables. Enjoy your meal!
This Tuscan Chicken is packed with bold flavors and creamy goodness in every bite. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and satisfying this dish is!
Pro Tips
To make your Tuscan Chicken even more flavorful and easier to prepare, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Chicken:
While chicken breasts are a great option for a leaner dish, chicken thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, especially when cooked in a creamy sauce. If you’re using chicken breasts, be sure to pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
Perfectly Sear the Chicken:
For a golden-brown crust on the chicken, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Resist the urge to move the chicken around too much while it cooks, as letting it sit undisturbed creates that beautiful, flavorful sear.
Boost the Creaminess:
For an even richer sauce, you can add a touch more Parmesan cheese or a dollop of cream cheese for extra smoothness. Just make sure to melt it in well to keep the sauce velvety.
Make it Your Own with Herbs:
Feel free to get creative with your herbs. If you love basil or thyme, adding a few fresh leaves will elevate the dish. Fresh herbs bring an extra burst of fragrance that enhances the Tuscan flavors.
Simmer, Don’t Boil:
When you add the cream, make sure to bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil. Boiling can cause the cream to separate and affect the texture of your sauce.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time:
After adding the chicken back to the sauce, let it rest in the skillet for a few minutes. This helps the flavors fully meld together and ensures the chicken stays moist and juicy.
Variations
This Tuscan Chicken recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
Add Vegetables:
If you want to make this dish even heartier, consider adding more vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be sautéed along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture. You can also add asparagus or roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness.
Make it Low-Carb:
For a low-carb version, skip the pasta and serve the Tuscan Chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. This keeps the dish light while still delivering all the creamy goodness.
Spicy Kick:
If you like a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce or a diced fresh chili pepper when cooking the garlic. It’ll bring a spicy, bold twist to the dish that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Add Lemon:
For a refreshing citrus twist, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. The acidity will brighten up the dish and complement the richness of the cream and Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuscan Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to take your dish to the next level:
Serve with Pasta.
A classic pairing! Serve the Tuscan Chicken over a bed of pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. The creamy sauce will coat the pasta perfectly, making every bite comforting and rich.
Pair with Rice:
For a simple and satisfying side, serve the chicken over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. The rice will soak up the flavorful sauce, adding to the overall dish.
Garlic Bread:
Crusty, buttery garlic bread is a perfect side to soak up any extra sauce from the chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser and adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of the chicken.
Mashed Potatoes:
If you’re craving something extra comforting, serve the Tuscan Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes. The velvety potatoes pair beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce.
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FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Tuscan Chicken, along with some helpful answers to guide you through the process:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner option and will still work wonderfully in this dish. Just be sure to cook them through without overcooking, as breasts can dry out quicker than thighs. For an even cook, you may want to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before searing.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop. Add the chicken back to the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
If you need a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives. While it won’t have the exact same flavor, it will still be delicious and creamy.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also microwave it, but be sure to heat it gently.
tuscan chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. This adds a base layer of flavor to your chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the Chicken:
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t worry if there’s some brown residue left in the pan; it’ll add extra flavor to the sauce.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing their rich flavor to blend with the garlic.
Add the Spinach and Cream:
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, about 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, scraping up any bits of flavor from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Italian seasoning. Continue simmering for a few more minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Return the Chicken to the Pan:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb the rich, creamy sauce.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chicken is coated with the creamy sauce and heated through, it’s ready to serve. Pair it with pasta, rice, or your favorite vegetable side dish for a complete meal.