Tuscan Chicken Recipe
If there’s any dish that embodies Italian comfort with a dash of irresistible flair, it’s this Tuscan Chicken Recipe. One bite brings layers of creamy, sun-dried tomato-laced sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant bursts of spinach all together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat your family to something truly special, this simple yet stunning dinner hits the sweet spot between rustic tradition and modern ease. It’s hearty, soul-warming, and comes together in just 30 minutes using wholesome, everyday ingredients!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of essential ingredients, you’ll discover how every element in this Tuscan Chicken Recipe creates a rich, colorful, and comforting experience. Each ingredient plays a role in the final flavors and textures, from the succulent chicken to the creamy, Parmesan-kissed sauce.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts form the juicy and lean foundation of this dish, soaking up all the incredible flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: These simple seasonings heighten the natural savory taste of the chicken while keeping things balanced.
- Olive oil: A touch of olive oil adds subtle fruitiness and ensures perfect golden browning.
- Unsalted butter: Butter brings richness and silkiness to the base of your sauce, making every bite feel extra special.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with warmth and aromatic depth, truly a must in Italian cooking!
- Heavy cream: This creates the luxurious, velvety texture that makes the sauce so unforgettable.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory background and helps blend all the sauce ingredients seamlessly together.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts down to thicken the sauce while delivering nutty, salty goodness.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings traditional Tuscan herb notes, tying everything together with just one teaspoon.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: They provide tangy, concentrated tomato flavor and a lovely pop of color that wake up the whole plate.
- Fresh spinach: Tossed in at the end, spinach wilts gently into the sauce for a nutritious burst of green.
- Fresh basil (for garnish): Optional, but a handful of chopped basil at the end brings freshness and a whiff of summertime.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium, then lay in the chicken—hearing that satisfying sizzle instantly lets you know you’re on the right track. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until each piece is golden-brown and cooked through. Once done, set them aside on a plate while you work on that luscious sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Base
Reduce the pan’s heat to medium-low, then add the unsalted butter. As it melts, sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for about a minute. When your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly, you’ll know it’s time for the next step!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring as you go. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. It’ll thicken slightly and develop a creamy depth rich enough to turn anyone into a sauce enthusiast.
Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Now comes the splash of color and nutrition—stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and toss in the fresh spinach. Stir just until the spinach wilts, as you want it tender but still vibrantly green. These ingredients lift the sauce, making every spoonful uniquely craveable.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning a generous amount of sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is warmed through and perfectly coated in the creamy, dreamy sauce. Finish with a joyful sprinkle of fresh basil, if you’d like!
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Top each serving with chopped fresh basil for a hit of freshness and color, or add a grating of extra Parmesan for that irresistible cheesy flourish. Even a light crack of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can take things to the next level.
Side Dishes
This creamy, sauce-forward chicken truly begs for something to soak up every last drop. Serve over al dente pasta (fettuccine or penne shine here), buttery mashed potatoes, or alongside slices of rustic, crusty bread. Steamed vegetables or a peppery arugula salad round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try slicing the chicken and plating it artfully over a bed of creamy polenta, or serve as a family-style skillet in the center of the table, letting everyone spoon out their portion. You can even tuck it into toasted ciabatta buns for the ultimate Italian-style sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Tuscan Chicken Recipe fresh by transferring cooled leftovers to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, this dish stays delicious for up to 3 days without losing its charm or flavor.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch ahead, freeze completely cool portions of the chicken (with sauce) in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as this helps the creamy sauce maintain its lovely consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened up in the fridge. For microwave reheating, loosely cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully with the Tuscan Chicken Recipe, bringing even more juiciness and rich flavor to the final dish. Just adjust cooking time for slightly thicker cuts.
Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?
For a lighter twist, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use a mix of whole milk and Greek yogurt. The sauce will still be delicious and creamy, just less rich!
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
While sun-dried tomatoes add a special tang, you can swap in roasted red peppers or even use chopped cherry tomatoes for a fresh, bright alternative.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! The Tuscan Chicken Recipe as written is naturally gluten-free. If you serve it with pasta, simply choose your favorite gluten-free noodles to keep everything allergy-friendly.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Of course—the recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches so everything browns nicely before combining with the luscious sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving restaurant-worthy flavor without the fuss, this Tuscan Chicken Recipe will make you look (and feel) like a star in your own kitchen. Cozy, creamy, and packed with color, it’s sure to be a new go-to for weeknights and special occasions alike. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—you absolutely deserve it!
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Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Tuscan Chicken, a delightful Italian-inspired dish that features tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach add depth and color to this quick and easy stovetop recipe.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Chopped fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden and fully cooked, then set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, pour in cream and broth, add Parmesan and seasoning, simmer until thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in tomatoes and spinach, return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over chicken, simmer briefly. Garnish with basil and serve.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
