Learn how to whip up an easy, mouthwatering, Creamy Tuscan Chicken featuring tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cheese. Get simple tips for a perfect dish every time, from selecting fresh ingredients to savoring the delightful flavors.
Is Tuscan Chicken Truly an Italian Dish?
Despite its name, Tuscan Chicken is not a traditional Italian dish. Instead, it's inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, a region known for its rustic cuisine and use of fresh, simple ingredients. While the dish may not be authentically Italian, it captures the essence of Tuscan cooking, emphasizing wholesome ingredients and bold flavors.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients:
For the chicken
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the sauce
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon sun dried tomato oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 3 cups spinach
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup parmesan cheese
Tools You Will Need:
Process:
1. Prep Chicken: Pat dry chicken breasts and halve them horizontally to create thinner pieces.
2. Prepare Breading: Mix flour and seasonings in a shallow bowl for breading.
3. Coat Chicken: Dip chicken in breading mixture, ensuring thorough coating, then set aside.
4. Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5. Saute Tomatoes and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same pan, saute sun-dried tomatoes and garlic in oil for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add Broth and Spinach: Stir in broth, spinach, and seasonings. Simmer for 3 minutes until spinach wilts.
7. Mix in heavy cream and cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add cooked chicken to the sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer for 3 more minutes.
9. Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides, enhancing its flavors and making for a satisfying meal. While pasta is a classic accompaniment, there are plenty of other serving suggestions to explore:
-
- Pasta: Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken over your favorite pasta for a comforting and hearty meal that's sure to please.
- Steamed Rice: Whether you prefer white or brown rice, both varieties beautifully complement the creamy sauce and chicken.
- Other Grains: For added texture and nutrients, experiment with different grains such as quinoa, farro, bulgur, or a combination of your favorites.
- Over a Baked Potato: For a hearty twist, chop the cooked chicken, stir it back into the sauce, and ladle it over baked potatoes, creating a comforting and filling meal.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Keep it low-carb by serving Creamy Tuscan Chicken with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, which will add freshness and color to your plate.
- A Crusty Baguette: There's nothing quite like a slice of crusty baguette to soak up every bit of the delicious cream sauce, making it a delightful addition to your meal.
- Creamy Polenta: Swap out the traditional starches and serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken over creamy, cheesy polenta for a decadent and satisfying meal.
- Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Roast potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs until crispy and golden brown, then serve alongside the chicken for a comforting and flavorful combination.
Feel free to mix and match these serving suggestions based on your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a comforting dinner or a healthier option, Creamy Tuscan Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides, ensuring a satisfying dining experience every time.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This mouthwatering Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is about little kitchen hacks that make a big difference. Here are a few tips to make sure your dish comes out just right every single time:
- Fresh Ingredients: Go for the good stuff! Fresh spinach, ripe tomatoes, and quality Parmesan cheese can really elevate your dish.
- Chicken Cooking Time: Don't let that chicken get too cozy on the stove. Cook enough so it's tender and juicy, not dry and tough.
- Balancing Seasonings: Play around with your spices! Whether it's a pinch of more garlic or a sprinkle of paprika, adjust until it tastes right.
- Best Reheating Method: Transfer the sauce to a skillet and gently simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce and continue to simmer until it slightly thickens, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Then, place the chicken breasts into the simmering sauce, nestling them in, and continue to simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.
- Lighter Option: Want to lighten things up? Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half. You'll still get that creamy goodness without all the extra fat.
- Storage Tips: Have leftovers? No problem. Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they'll stay good for a few days. When ready to reheat, gently put it on the stove to keep that sauce silky and smooth.
- Make-Ahead Option: Feeling extra organized? Prep your creamy Tuscan chicken beforehand. Whip the sauce, cool it down, and stick it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat gently, add the chicken, and voila! Dinner is served.
Variations
The beauty of Creamy Tuscan Chicken lies in its versatility, allowing you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences. Here are some of our favorite variations that add unique twists to this classic recipe:
- Caramelized Onions: Incorporating caramelized onions adds depth and sweetness to the sauce, creating a rich and flavorful base for the dish.
- Bacon Crumbles: For a smoky and savory flavor, sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles over the finished dish, adding texture and indulgence to every bite.
- Artichoke Hearts: Incorporate tender hearts into the sauce for a tangy and satisfying addition that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken.
- Pesto Swirl: Add a dollop of homemade or store-bought pesto to the sauce for a fresh basil flavor and vibrant green color.
- Lemon Zest: Brighten the dish with freshly grated lemon zest, adding a zesty and citrusy note that balances the richness of the cream sauce.
- Greek Yogurt Substitute: For a lighter alternative to heavy cream, substitute Greek yogurt for a portion of the cream, reducing the calorie content without sacrificing creaminess.
- Mediterranean Olives: Stir in sliced Kalamata or green olives for a briny and flavorful addition that adds complexity to the sauce.
- Capers: Sprinkle capers over the finished dish to add a pop of briny flavor. This provides a burst of tanginess that cuts through the creamy sauce.
Feel free to mix and match these variations or devise your own creative twists to customize this Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal that's easy to make and sure to impress. Whether cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this flavorful dish will surely be a hit. Try it out for yourself and experience the taste of Tuscany in your own kitchen!
Are you ready to try Creamy Tuscan Chicken? Gather your ingredients and get cooking today! Share your creations with me in the comments below.
MORE DELICIOUS CHICKEN DISHES TO TRY!
Sheet Pan Chicken with Artichokes and Potatoes
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
I hope you like my Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe - be sure to give it a review below!
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Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Ready in under 40 minutes, whip up this easy, mouthwatering Creamy Tuscan Chicken, featuring tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cheese!
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the sauce
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon sun dried tomato oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 3 cups spinach
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Gently pat dry your chicken breasts and lay them on their side. Use a large knife to cut them long ways in half, creating two thinner chicken breasts.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together your flour and seasonings to create your breading for the chicken.
- Coat your chicken in the breading mixture, making sure to cover all the surface area of the chicken before setting aside.
- In a large pan, add your 2 tablespoons of oil and set the pan to medium heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully lay your chicken in, allowing the chicken to cook for 4-5 minutes before flipping and cooking for another 4-5 minutes. Once finished cooking, remove from the pan and set aside. You may have to cook the chicken in batches, just be sure to add more oil as needed.
- Reduce the heat of your pan to medium-low. To your pan, add in your sun-dried tomatoes and a tablespoon of the oil and saute for 1-2 minutes before adding in your minced garlic. Saute for 1 additional minute or so, just until aromatic.
- Add in your broth, spinach, and seasonings and simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring so that all the spinach wilts.
- Once the spinach has wilted, mix in your heavy cream and cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes before adding your chicken. Once the chicken has been added, spoon the sauce over the tops and keep simmering for another 3 minutes before taking off the heat.
- Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
LOVE THIS CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN RECIPE? PIN IT HERE!
Fransic verso says
This is an interesting creamy Tuscan chicken recipe. I've tasted it at a family gathering made by another family member but would love to make it myself. Great post!
Heather @ US Japan Fam says
I love the color (and nutrition) the spinach brings! Gonna hit the grocery store and try this tonight!
Yufi Rizkianti says
This recipe must be delicious, like curry. My husband really likes curry, which can be eaten with rice or bread. Thank you for the recipe.
Ivan Carlo Jose says
This creamy Tuscan chicken recipe looks delectable. My kids love creamy dishes, I'm sure they'll love this.
Antonia says
Great recipe. Thank you for the write up! My mouth waters just reading it
I love the combination of chicken, spinach and tomatoes. Great photos too.
Tameka says
We've been thinking to add a little international spin to our menus recently to spice things up for my 2 year old and this seems like it. Next week's menu just got creamy!
Kimberley Asante says
Your recipe for Creamy Tuscan Chicken looks absolutely mouthwatering! The combination of tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and that creamy sauce is making my taste buds tingle already. I appreciate how you've included step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow, ensuring even novice cooks can recreate this delicious dish at home. Plus, the photos you've shared really showcase the dish's vibrant colors and enticing presentation. I can't wait to try this recipe out for myself. Thanks for sharing such a delectable creation!
Jocelyn Brown says
Wow, Kimberly! Thank you so, sooo much for the wonderful compliments on my recipe. Super appreciate it! 🙂 I hope you'll come back and comment after you tried it! 🙂
Emily says
This looks like a recipe that lots of people would really enjoy! Nothing like a delicious Italian dish.
Steph S says
This looks so delicious. Yum, thanks for the recipe!
Cindy says
I love spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and together they really add a lot of flavor to this dish. This is so flavorful and such an easy recipe.
Richard Lowe says
This looks like a very tasty dish. I think I'll make this someday soon. I'll add it to my recipe book.
Clarice says
This is really delicious and I would love to serve this on Saturday since we have some guests coming. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Love the idea of pairing it with pasta or baked potato.
Aimee AMALA says
This sounds absolutely delicious! I have emailed it to my partner, hopefully they will make it this week! I love the combination of herbs and spices in this recipe.
Julia says
One of my family’s favorites! I made it for them and they’re already asking for me to make it again! The process was fairly simple and the flavor is the best of any I’ve tried. Absolutely will be making this again!
Lynndee says
That does look creamy. I prepared this dish before and we all enjoyed it. I need to make it again.
Lavanda says
We used your recipe last night and safe to say it may now be a family favorite! Absolutely delicious!!
Beautiful Touches says
The Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe looks absolutely mouthwatering with its creamy sauce and flavorful ingredients. I can't wait to try it and savor every delicious bite of this tempting dish!
vidya says
This looks so delish that I will be sure to try a vegetarian version of this with tofu..
Marysa says
Love how creamy this looks! Sounds like a great dish for the whole family, and to serve with a side of rice and veggies. I am in such a cooking rut, it is nice to have some ideas.
Catalina says
It's always a challenge to find dishes that feel both comforting and elegant, and this recipe hits the mark perfectly.
Hannah Bures says
This is such a good creamy meal to have! This is perfect for a rainy day meal. My family loves when I cook this for them! The process is easy and well worth it.
LisaLisa says
WOW, this creamy Tuscan Chicken looks soooooo good. I'm always looking for different ways to cook chicken and I will have to try this recipe maybe over the weekend. I'm pinning this one and Thanks!!
Megan | The Booknerd Lifestyle says
Tuscan chicken sounds so yummy! I've got a few chicken breasts I need to use up and I think this is the perfect way to do it!
Ramil Hinolan says
I love the creamy texture of this chicken recipe. I am not a kitchen guy but I will give this recipe a try. I hope my family will love it.
Alexa says
This looks amazing! It is definitely on the list for dinners next week