Juicy, golden-seared chicken smothered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the ultimate weeknight treat.
It’s fast, easy, and big on flavor, and it’s on the table in about 35 minutes.
Serve it over pasta or rice, or with crusty bread to soak up that sauce. One bite and you’ll feel like you’re in a cozy Italian trattoria!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this Tuscan chicken, but that creamy garlic Parmesan sauce might be my favorite part. Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add sweet, tangy flavor and a pop of color.
It’s also quick. Golden-seared chicken and a rich, restaurant-worthy sauce come together in one skillet in about 35 minutes.
And it feels special enough for guests, but easy enough for any weeknight.
Let’s cook!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This creamy Tuscan chicken is made with simple ingredients and big flavor.
- Chicken Breasts – seasoned and seared until golden.
- Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper – classic herbs for Tuscan-style flavor.
- Olive Oil – for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
- Garlic and Onion – the savory base of the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – sweet, tangy, and full of flavor.
- Baby Spinach – wilts into the sauce for color and freshness.
- Heavy Cream – makes the sauce rich and silky.
- Parmesan Cheese – freshly grated for a nutty, cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, season the chicken. Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Next, sear it. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
Now build the sauce. Add the remaining oil and onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the spinach. Stir in the spinach and cook for about a minute, just until it wilts.
Then make it creamy. Pour in the heavy cream, add the Parmesan, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Finally, finish the chicken. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for about 5 minutes, until cooked through and coated in sauce.
That’s it! Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve hot.
Expert Tips
Even out the chicken. If your breasts are thick, butterfly or pound them for even cooking.
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. They add extra flavor. If using dry ones, rehydrate them in warm water first.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. High heat can make cream sauces separate.
Check the temperature. The chicken is done at 165°F.
Recipe Variations
I love this recipe as it is, but it’s easy to make your own.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or cashew cream and 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Use chicken thighs for extra-juicy chicken, or add sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts to the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes, with crusty bread to soak up every bit of sauce.
Roasted asparagus or a simple green salad make great sides.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut or cashew cream and nutritional yeast.
3. Can I use half-and-half?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and more likely to separate.
4. What sun-dried tomatoes are best?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add the most flavor.
5. How long do leftovers last?
3 to 4 days in the fridge.
You May Also Love
If this creamy Tuscan chicken has you craving more cozy, restaurant-style dinners, here are a few more favorites I think you’ll enjoy. They’re all easy and full of flavor.
- Easy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken – creamy, hands-off, and full of Tuscan flavor.
- Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs – slow-cooked thighs in a creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup – a cozy, creamy soup with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta – a quick, creamy pasta with Tuscan flavors.
- Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken – golden chicken in a rich spinach artichoke sauce.
Save a few of these for later, and you’ll always have something delicious to make!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (see note for dairy-free options)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the chopped onion.Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragran
- Add the Spinach:Stir in the spinach and cook for about a minute, just until it starts to wilt.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese.Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken:Return the seared chicken to the skillet.Simmer for about 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy:Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider butterflying them or pounding them flat for even cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomato Selection: Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor, or rehydrate dry ones in warm water before slicing.
