Craving a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple to prepare at home? Tuscan Chicken is the answer. This recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious cream sauce, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. With its bold and comforting flavors, this one-pan dish is perfect for family dinners or when hosting guests.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this dish, share tips for the perfect results, and explore variations to suit your preferences.
Why You’ll Love Tuscan Chicken
1. Creamy and Indulgent
The rich cream sauce, combined with the savory flavors of Parmesan cheese and garlic, creates a dish that feels luxurious yet approachable.
2. One-Pan Meal
Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup quick and easy.
3. Flexible and Adaptable
From adding extra vegetables to serving it with different sides, you can tailor this recipe to fit your needs.
Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory depth to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A flavorful blend of herbs to complement the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – For seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken.
Sauce:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Brings bold, aromatic flavor.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Provides tangy sweetness.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The foundation of the sauce’s creamy texture.
- ½ cup chicken broth – Adds balance and ensures the sauce isn’t too thick.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Infuses the sauce with a nutty, savory flavor.
- 2 cups fresh spinach – Delivers a burst of color and nutrition.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – Complements the Tuscan-inspired flavors.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Adjust the seasoning to enhance the overall dish.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes until they release their flavors.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Sprinkle in the dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Incorporate Spinach and Chicken
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the chicken and spoon generous amounts of sauce over each piece. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as pasta, rice, or bread.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tuscan Chicken
- Even Cooking: Pounding the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.
- Fresh Parmesan: Grating your own Parmesan cheese ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to achieve a golden sear.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce.
- Taste and Season: Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Variations to Try
Add Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.
Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick of heat.
Dairy-Free Alternative
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Slice the chicken and toss it with the sauce and your favorite pasta for a creamy, comforting meal.
Protein Swaps
Try using boneless chicken thighs or even salmon fillets instead of chicken breasts.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with various sides, such as:
- Fettuccine or Penne: The creamy sauce clings perfectly to pasta.
- Rice: Use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Crusty Bread: Scoop up the sauce with slices of warm, crusty bread.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, green beans, or zucchini for added nutrients.
For a complete meal, pair Tuscan Chicken with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs About Tuscan Chicken
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully and often stay juicier than chicken breasts.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge, then reheat together when ready to serve.
Q: What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers make great substitutes.
Q: How can I make this dish lighter?
A: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! Just use a larger skillet and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion: Creamy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make
Tuscan Chicken combines the richness of a creamy sauce with the vibrant flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with bread, this dish is versatile and satisfying.
Why wait? Gather your ingredients and create this indulgent yet easy one-pan meal tonight. It’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection!
