If you are craving a dish that bursts with rich flavors and comforting creaminess, then this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and vibrant spinach, all melding together to create a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. It’s a perfect blend of Italian-inspired warmth and indulgence made simple enough for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the irresistible Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe makes the whole process joyful and rewarding. Each element—from the fresh garlic to the rich cream—contributes layers of flavor, texture, and color to bring this dish to life.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing and lends subtle richness.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a velvety touch to the cooking fat.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to balance and enhance flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): The star protein, tender and absorbent of the creamy sauce.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Provides sweetness and background aroma.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Offers a robust, savory kick that warms the palate.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (½ cup): Bring a tangy, chewy burst of umami that liven up the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb blend that ties all the Italian flavors together beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a dreamy, silky sauce with luscious mouthfeel.
- Chicken broth or dry white wine (¼ cup): Adds moisture and complexity while thinning the cream slightly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Imparts salty, nutty richness crucial for authentic flavor.
- Baby spinach (1 to 2 cups): Introduces fresh green color and a slight earthiness to balance the richness.
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional): Perfect for a bright, herby garnish that finishes the dish elegantly.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple prep ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the lovely flavors of the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant. Add the seasoned chicken cutlets and cook them until they are golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—this step locks in all the delicious juices.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Using the same skillet (because those browned bits hold tons of flavor), sauté the finely chopped onion until it turns translucent and soft. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook just for a minute to release its aroma without burning. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning to infuse the dish with those classic Mediterranean herbs.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now comes the magic moment. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Next, pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste—the sauce should be rich, dreamy, and packed with savory goodness.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the baby spinach directly into the sauce, stirring until it wilts and softens, lending an appealing freshness and vibrant green hue. Return the cooked chicken cutlets back to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and spooning it over the top to coat each piece beautifully. This final step lets all the flavors meld into one unforgettable dish.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe with freshly chopped parsley or basil not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. It’s these small touches that elevate the presentation and taste to restaurant-quality.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce, or over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta for a hearty meal. Roasted or steamed vegetables also complement the warm flavors nicely, providing balance and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visual wow factor, arrange the chicken cutlets on a platter and drizzle the creamy sauce artistically over the top. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving. You could also present individual portions in shallow bowls, perfect for cozy, intimate dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect choice for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that creamy sauces sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir often and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Microwave reheating works too, but do so in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through but still tender.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor will be different but still delicious and creamy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken separately and combine them just before serving. This helps keep the chicken from getting soggy and allows for quicker assembly when you’re ready to eat.
What’s the best type of sun-dried tomatoes to use?
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil tend to be softer and more flavorful, aiding in creating a silky sauce. If using dry-packed tomatoes, rehydrate them briefly in warm water before chopping.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe is mild by default, focusing on savory and tangy flavors. If you love a little kick, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or finish with a drizzle of spicy chili oil.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, blending comfort and elegance effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, it delivers satisfying flavors with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and soon you’ll find it’s a dish you turn to time and again for delightful, creamy Italian-inspired joy.
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
A rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken cutlets simmered in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and aromatic herbs. Ready in 30 minutes, this comforting stovetop dish is perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner.
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 and Vegetables
- 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
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thin cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 1-2 minutes.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth (or dry white wine), scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Next, pour in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Italian seasoning as desired.
- Combine and Finish: Add the baby spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce generously over them. Allow the chicken to warm through in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative, but note the sauce will be less rich.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add extra richness; if using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water before chopping.
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
