Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about four 6-ounce chicken breasts); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; ½ cup chopped shallots; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; ½ cup oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped; 3 cups chopped fresh spinach (loosely packed); ½ cup heavy cream; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

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If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in a warm embrace of rich flavors and vibrant colors, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe is your perfect answer. Tender chicken breasts cooked to juicy perfection swim in a luscious sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh spinach, all enriched by a velvety cream base. It’s a recipe that effortlessly balances indulgence with comfort, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special treat for guests. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black cast iron skillet on a white marbled surface filled with three layers: the bottom layer is a brown liquid sauce, topped with small pieces of dark red dried tomatoes, and the top layer consists of many fresh bright green spinach leaves. A wooden spatula is partially inside the skillet on the right side, resting on the spinach. To the top right of the skillet, there is a white plate holding two golden brown cooked chicken pieces with a sprinkle of seasoning. Below the skillet on the marbled surface, there is a small white bowl filled with a white liquid. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the dish’s flavor, texture, and appearance — from the tender chicken to the vibrant spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounding them ensures even cooking and juicy tenderness.
Salt and pepper: The basic seasoning that brings out the natural flavors in the chicken.
Italian seasoning: Adds an aromatic herbal layer that screams Tuscan delight.
Olive oil: For a beautiful sear that locks in moisture and adds a fruity note.
Butter: Helps create a rich, silky sauce base when cooked with shallots.
Shallots: Gently sweet and delicate, perfect for caramelizing in butter.
Garlic: A must-have punch of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that dreamy creamy consistency.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds depth without overpowering saltiness.
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Bring concentrated sweetness and vibrant color.
Fresh spinach: Adds freshness and a lovely pop of green, wilting perfectly into the sauce.
Heavy cream: The final luxurious touch that makes this recipe truly creamy and sumptuous.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a salty finishing flourish that’s simply irresistible.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken breasts a little TLC. Place them in a zip-top bag and gently pound them to an even thickness. This step ensures every bite cooks evenly and stays juicy. Then pat them dry using paper towels, which helps achieve a gorgeous golden sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This forms the flavorful crust that makes the chicken irresistible.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. The result should be a beautifully browned exterior sealing in all those tasty juices. Don’t rush this step—great caramelization means big flavor! Once fully cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest, allowing the juices to redistribute perfectly.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium and add butter and chopped shallots to your skillet. The shallots will soften and become sweet in the buttery goodness, creating a flavorful foundation for the sauce. After about 1 to 2 minutes, stir in minced garlic and flour. Cooking the flour briefly with garlic helps eliminate any raw taste while giving the sauce body and creaminess once the liquids are added.

Step 4: Add Broth and Thicken

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring as you do to scrape up all the lovely browned bits stuck to the pan — that’s pure flavor magic right there. Keep stirring as the sauce simmers gently and thickens, transforming into a silky coating that will cling to your chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Turn the heat to medium-low and mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The tomatoes add a tangy sweetness and vivid hue, while the spinach wilts just enough to bring a fresh, earthy balance without losing its bright green vibrancy. Stir everything well to combine and let the flavors meld for a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Combine

Now the real indulgence begins! Stir the heavy cream into the sauce, giving it that signature rich, luscious texture. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let everything heat together for another 1 to 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce’s flavor fully. Spoon this irresistible sauce generously over the chicken when serving, and if you like, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory goodness.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds a dish with two main parts: on the left, there is a nest of pale yellow spaghetti noodles with a smooth texture, loosely piled and curving gently. On the right, a thick piece of cooked chicken lies under a creamy sauce full of small chopped bits and dark green spinach leaves, creating a mix of beige, light brown, and green colors. A fork is holding a small sliced piece of chicken covered in sauce in the bottom left, about to lift it from the plate. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred green herb bunch in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe visually and flavor-wise, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or shaved Asiago is a winner every time. Fresh basil or parsley adds that pop of green freshness and aroma that instantly makes the dish look restaurant-worthy. If you want a little bite, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can enliven the plate even more.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Think warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up every last bit. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta are perfect cozy companions, providing complementary textures. For a lighter touch, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish over a nest of freshly cooked pasta like fettuccine or penne to transform it into an irresistible pasta entrée. For a grain option, fluffy couscous or quinoa work wonderfully with the creamy sauce. To impress your guests, present the chicken all nestled in a shallow bowl topped with delicate microgreens or edible flowers for a charming and elevated look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe fest, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and sauce will stay tasty for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes remarkably well. Transfer cooled portions into heavy-duty freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe will keep its deliciousness for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating or scorching. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can refresh the sauce’s silky texture. You can also reheat in the microwave, but do so in short bursts with stirring in between to keep everything creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, making sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. Keep in mind these substitutes might slightly change the richness and flavor profile of the dish.

Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?

Sun-dried tomatoes add a unique sweetness and depth that define this recipe’s character, but if you don’t have them on hand, a handful of cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers can work in a pinch.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap out butter for olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese to keep it deliciously creamy without dairy.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately and combine them just before reheating and serving to keep everything fresh and delectable.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe that makes it impossible not to fall in love. From the first tender bite to the last drizzle of rich sauce, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe always delivers satisfaction and smiles. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your most treasured go-to dinners!

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