If you love rich, creamy sauces with bold flavors, you’re going to adore Creamy Tuscan Chicken! This dish features juicy pan-seared chicken smothered in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s a one-pan meal that tastes like something you’d order at a fancy Italian restaurant—but it’s easy enough to make at home in just 30 minutes!
Whether you serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles, this luxurious, flavor-packed dish is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a popular Italian-inspired dish where golden, pan-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a garlic-infused, Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The flavors are bold, rich, and slightly tangy, thanks to the sun-dried tomatoes.
This dish is sometimes called “Marry Me Chicken” because it’s so delicious, it might just win someone’s heart! The combination of creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors makes it unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor!
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ Rich & Indulgent: A creamy sauce packed with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.
✔️ Restaurant-Worthy: Tastes gourmet but is surprisingly simple.
✔️ Customizable: Works with pasta, rice, or low-carb options like zucchini noodles.
Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This dish uses simple ingredients that come together for an incredibly flavorful meal.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging, optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Lightly dredge in flour (if using) to help create a golden crust.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and cook for another 10 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze and get all the flavorful bits.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the Spinach & Chicken
- Stir in fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the sauce.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
- Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up any browned bits from the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Adjust the Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer. If too thick, add a splash of broth.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What to Serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This dish pairs well with both hearty and light side dishes.
🍝 Pasta – Fettuccine, penne, or linguine soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
🍚 Rice – White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice work well.
🥦 Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus balance the richness.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes make a perfect comfort-food combo.
🍞 Crusty Bread – Ideal for soaking up every drop of the delicious sauce!
Beverage Pairings:
🍷 White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay enhances the creamy flavors.
🍹 Lemonade or Sparkling Water: A refreshing contrast to the richness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs About Creamy Tuscan Chicken
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs stay juicier and work wonderfully in this dish.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
3. How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).
4. Can I add extra vegetables?
Of course! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers would be great additions.
5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low-carb—just serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Conclusion: A Creamy, Dreamy Chicken Dish You’ll Love
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the perfect combination of bold, rich flavors and creamy indulgence. The garlic-Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach bring a restaurant-quality feel to a dish that’s easy enough for any home cook.
Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or veggies, this meal is guaranteed to impress family and friends.
Try it tonight, and let us know how it turned out!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
a. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. - Sear the Chicken:
a. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
b. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
c. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
a. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
b. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
c. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
d. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
e. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine Everything:
a. Stir in the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the spinach wilts.
b. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
c. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). - Serve:
a. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale for a heartier texture.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra richness to the dish.