If you’re craving a stunning dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is secretly so easy, let me introduce you to Tuscan Chicken. Imagine perfectly seared chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce, finished with fragrant basil and plenty of Parmesan. This Italian-American classic is an absolute dream for both weeknight dinners and special occasions — every bite bursts with bold flavors, gorgeous color, and serious comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Tuscan Chicken has a special role to play, and you won’t find anything fussy here. Gather these simple kitchen staples and you’ll watch them come together to create a masterpiece of taste, creamy texture, and rich color.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick, even cooking and tender results.
- Olive oil: Infuses the chicken with gentle flavor and helps create that golden sear we all love.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a luscious richness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic perfectly.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is your ticket to irresistible aromatic depth.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a silky, decadent sauce that soaks up every hint of flavor.
- Chicken broth: Balances the cream with savory notes and brings a touch of lightness.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce, delivering bold, salty, and nutty undertones.
- Italian seasoning: An easy blend that laces the whole dish with classic Tuscan herbs.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, sliced: Bursts of tangy sweetness and that unmistakable rustic color.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts beautifully into the sauce and lends vibrant green freshness.
- Salt and black pepper: Season generously for the perfect balance of flavor.
- Chopped fresh basil: Scatter over the top for a final pop of brightness and fragrance.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
First, start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Sear the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, letting them get that beautiful golden-brown crust. Once they’re cooked through, set them aside on a plate (they’ll come back into play soon!).
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In that same, flavor-packed skillet, add the unsalted butter and swirl until melted. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds. This step is all about layering those addictive aromatic notes without burning the garlic, so keep an eye on it!
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat just a notch and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Scrape up any delicious browned bits left in the pan; this is pure flavor gold! Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens ever so slightly and everything melds together.
Step 4: Add Sun-dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Drop in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, gently stirring until the spinach has wilted into the creamy sauce and the tomatoes have released a bit of their flavor. The colors here are positively vibrant, and the aroma will have you hovering over the pan.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return your chicken breasts (along with any precious juices from the plate) to the pan. Spoon the rich, velvety sauce all over the top, then allow everything to simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken absorbs those Tuscan Chicken flavors. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil for a gorgeous finish!
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh basil is the classic finishing touch for Tuscan Chicken, adding freshness and color. If you like, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or some cracked black pepper on top will set things off and make the dish look like a chef plated it just for you.
Side Dishes
Tuscan Chicken loves company, so serve it over twirls of pasta, a heap of fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to catch every drop of sauce. If you’re keeping it light or gluten free, try it with sautéed zucchini noodles or a side of buttered green beans for a fantastic pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unforgettable dinner party, try slicing the chicken breasts just before serving and fanning them out on a platter, drizzled with plenty of sauce and scattered with toppings. Or serve Tuscan Chicken family-style in the skillet with toasted garlic bread for dipping — it’s guaranteed to wow every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Tuscan Chicken and sauce to an airtight container as soon as it cools. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a superb option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Tuscan Chicken also freezes well! Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-friendly containers; it’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that creamy sauces may separate a little after thawing, but a gentle stir when reheating brings it right back together.
Reheating
Warm your refrigerated or thawed chicken gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring the sauce and adding a splash of broth or cream if it looks too thick. Microwaving works too, but go low and slow to keep the chicken moist and the sauce super creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are incredibly flavorful and work perfectly in Tuscan Chicken. Just adjust your cooking time, as thighs may need a couple extra minutes to cook through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’d like a lighter version, half-and-half is a great swap for heavy cream. The sauce will be a touch less rich but still creamy and full-flavored.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
Sun-dried tomatoes add signature color and tang, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have them, try roasted red peppers for a similar burst of flavor. The dish will still have that Tuscan Chicken charm!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with olive oil, the cream with a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based Parmesan-style cheese. The result is still cozy, creamy, and satisfying.
How do I get perfectly juicy chicken?
The key is not to overcook! Sear the chicken just until golden and cooked through, then let it finish in the creamy sauce for extra juiciness and maximum flavor absorption.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan Chicken is truly a crowd-pleaser and the kind of dish that always earns compliments. Bring this recipe to your table, share it with the people you love, and savor all the warmth and flavor packed into every bite. You deserve a little taste of Tuscany tonight!
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Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Tuscan Chicken recipe, featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. A comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach until wilted.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer briefly to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance the flavor with a splash of white wine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
