This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich, comforting skillet dinner featuring golden-seared chicken breasts simmered in a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to serve when you’re entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
If the breasts are very thick, carefully slice them horizontally to create thinner, even pieces. This helps them cook more quickly and evenly.
Season both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
4. Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.
5. Add Parmesan and Vegetables
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until the spinach wilts.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
6. Return the Chicken
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet.
Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken.
Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken can absorb some of the sauce.
Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately with the creamy sauce spooned generously over the chicken.
What to Serve With Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This rich sauce is perfect with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttered pasta
- Fettuccine
- Steamed rice
- Creamy polenta
- Crusty garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple green salad
Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary so it browns properly.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a better texture.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer: Boiling the cream aggressively can cause the sauce to separate.
Don’t overcook the spinach: Add it near the end so it remains vibrant and tender.
Let the chicken rest briefly: Allowing the chicken to sit for a few minutes after searing helps retain its juices.
Easy Variations
Mushroom Tuscan Chicken
Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms after cooking the garlic. Sauté until golden before adding the broth.
Spicy Tuscan Chicken
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
Extra-Garlic Version
Add another clove or two of freshly minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
Lighter Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be somewhat lighter and less rich.
Shrimp & Chicken
Add cooked shrimp during the final few minutes for a delicious surf-and-turf variation.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Avoid overheating, as the cream sauce can separate and the chicken can become dry.
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken combines golden, juicy chicken with a luxurious garlic Parmesan sauce, sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach. It’s a simple skillet meal with plenty of comforting flavor and a beautiful presentation.