Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the ultimate one-pan meal—rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is smothered in a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach for the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough for a special dinner. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that irresistible sauce. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan : A 12-inch skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) works best for searing the chicken and making the sauce in the same pan.
- Tongs : Useful for flipping the chicken while searing and ensuring even cooking.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board : You’ll need these to chop the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and any additional veggies.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons : For accurately measuring cream, Parmesan, broth, and seasonings.
- Grater (Microplane or Box Grater) : If you’re using fresh Parmesan, grating it yourself ensures a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula : Great for stirring the sauce and scraping up flavorful bits from the pan.
- Instant-Read Thermometer (Optional but Recommended) : Ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked (165°F/75°C internally) without drying out.
- Small Bowl (for Prepping Ingredients) : Pre-measure your ingredients for a smoother cooking process.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for extra depth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 cup baby spinach packed
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. (The internal temperature should reach 165°F.)
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Step 2: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
- Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, releasing their flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan (this adds extra flavor!).
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes (if using) and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Step 3: Bring It All Together
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
- Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the creamy goodness.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
🥘 How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Ahead of Time
✅ Option 1: Prep the Ingredients in Advance- Slice the sun-dried tomatoes, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan ahead of time.
- Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This way, when it’s time to cook, all you have to do is sear the chicken and make the sauce!
- Sear the chicken as directed but don’t add it to the sauce yet.
- Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- When you’re ready to serve, quickly reheat the chicken in the pan and make the sauce fresh.
- Cook the full recipe, then let it cool to room temperature before storing.
- The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but don’t worry—I’ll share reheating tips below to bring it back to life!
❄️ How to Store Leftovers
✅ In the Refrigerator- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream when reheating will loosen it up.
- Can you freeze Creamy Tuscan Chicken? Yes, but with a small catch. Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen.
- If you plan to freeze it, it’s best to freeze the chicken separately and make the sauce fresh when reheating.
- If you freeze the entire dish, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
🔥 How to Reheat Creamy Tuscan Chicken Without Losing Its Texture
✅ On the Stovetop (Best Method!)- Add the leftovers to a pan over low to medium heat.
- Pour in a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Stir gently until heated through and creamy again.
- Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a small splash of broth or milk to prevent drying out.
- Cover loosely and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat using the stovetop or microwave methods above.
❗ Extra Tips for Keeping Leftovers Delicious
✔️ Avoid high heat when reheating—it can cause the sauce to separate.✔️ If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of liquid (cream, milk, or broth) while warming it up.
✔️ If freezing, freeze without the spinach and add fresh spinach when reheating for better texture.