There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of garlic and cream bubbling in a skillet. For me, this Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken dish always brings back memories of slow, golden evenings in Tuscany. I first tasted a similar recipe while helping in a tiny countryside kitchen just outside Florence. It was rustic, creamy, packed with sun-dried tomatoes, and made with the kind of love that turns a meal into a memory.
What I love most about this Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken is how effortlessly it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like a restaurant-quality dinner. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this recipe never fails to impress. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s fast, flavorful, and surprisingly beginner-friendly. You don’t need special tools or fancy techniques, just a skillet and a little heart.
With its rich cream sauce, tender chicken, and bursts of flavor from garlic, spinach, and parmesan, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a Fresh Leaf community favorite. Let’s dive into the ingredients and make your kitchen smell like a cozy Italian home tonight.
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Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of garlic and cream bubbling in a skillet. This Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken is rustic, packed with sun-dried tomatoes, and made with love. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s rich, fast, and beginner-friendly, just like a warm evening in Tuscany.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Fresh chopped basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.
- Pour in the heavy cream, add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and parmesan. Stir until smooth and bubbly.
- Toss in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted (1–2 minutes).
- Nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan and spoon sauce over them. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot with pasta, rice, crusty bread, zucchini noodles, or a crisp side salad.
Notes
For best results, sear the chicken until golden brown to lock in juices. Use heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan for a smooth, rich sauce. Slice chicken before serving to soak up more of that creamy Tuscan flavor. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients for Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this dish. Most items are pantry staples or easy to grab at your local store.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-ons:
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- Fresh chopped basil for garnish
If you’re in the mood for more chicken meals, check out this delicious Green Goddess Chicken Salad or try these juicy Bang Bang Chicken Bites for something with a kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly. Here’s how to bring it together in less than 30 minutes.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.
Step 4: Add Cream & Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream, add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and parmesan. Stir until smooth and bubbly.
Step 5: Add Spinach
Toss in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted (1–2 minutes).
Step 6: Return Chicken to Pan
Nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan and spoon sauce over them. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Or for a lighter pairing, try it with zucchini noodles or a crisp side salad.
Tips for Perfect Tuscan Chicken
- Don’t skip the sear. Getting that golden crust on the chicken locks in juices.
- Heavy cream is best. For that signature creamy texture, don’t substitute with milk.
- Use freshly grated parmesan. It melts smoother and enhances the flavor.
- Slice chicken before serving. It makes it easier to serve and soaks up the sauce better.
Looking for a cozy side dish to round out the meal? These One Pan Sausage and Potatoes work beautifully alongside Tuscan chicken.
Easy Variations
Make it Gluten-Free:
Serve over mashed potatoes, gluten-free pasta, or steamed rice. The sauce is naturally gluten-free!
Add a Veggie Twist:
Toss in mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Swap the Protein:
Try this creamy sauce with shrimp, salmon, or tofu. The flavors work well with almost anything.
If you’re looking for cozy casserole inspiration, don’t miss these 10 Best Cheesy Dinner Casseroles for your next comforting meal.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
Let the dish cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Freezing:
This dish freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Craving more comforting meals like this? Try this reader-loved Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, a creamy, crowd-pleasing classic.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a no-fuss, flavorful dinner, Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a dish worth keeping on repeat. It’s fast enough for weeknights, fancy enough for guests, and comforting enough to make everyone at the table feel cared for. Simple, satisfying, and always delicious.
FAQs
1. What kind of chicken is best for Tuscan chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, but you can also use thighs for a juicier texture.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich.
3. What can I serve with Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
Great with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Try pairing it with zucchini and tomato pasta for a fresh touch.
4. How spicy is the recipe?
It’s mild, but you can adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference, or leave them out entirely.