Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe: A Comforting Italian Delight

Whipping up a delectable Tuscan chicken dish brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Aromatic herbs and rich, velvety sauce promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with surprising elegance.

Tender chicken pieces nestle beneath a luxurious cream-based sauce that whispers of italian countryside charm.

Robust ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach add unexpected depth to every single bite.

Fragrant garlic and parmesan cheese create layers of complexity that make this recipe truly irresistible.

You’ll want to savor each magnificent forkful and share this extraordinary meal with those closest to you.

Storing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Frozen Tuscan chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months when sealed tightly.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly and prevent drying out.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give this Tuscan chicken its signature flavor?

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning creates the rich, authentic Tuscan taste. The garlic and cream sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains dairy and chicken, so it’s not vegetarian or vegan. However, it can be modified for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free chicken broth and checking seasoning labels.

  • Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can also use chicken thighs. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken: A Taste of Italy

  • Savor Comfort Cuisine: Dive into a rich, creamy dish that wraps you in warmth with its velvety sauce and tender chicken, perfect for those craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Whip up this gourmet-style Tuscan chicken using just one skillet, reducing cleanup and making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy home cooks.
  • Nutrition Meets Deliciousness: Pack your plate with protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense spinach, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, creating a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for various dietary preferences and easily customizable with different garnishes, this recipe works wonderfully for family dinners, date nights, or impressing dinner guests.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the core of this Tuscan-inspired dish.
Cooking Fats and Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a base for cooking and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
  • Butter: Enhances the richness and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory foundation to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety sauce with a rich mouthfeel.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild, warming heat to the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: Provides a classic Mediterranean herb blend for authentic taste.
  • Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a pungent and aromatic flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty note and helps thicken the sauce.
Vegetable Additions:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Add vibrant color, tangy sweetness, and nutritional value to the creamy chicken.
Optional Garnishes:
  • Fresh Basil, Red Pepper Flakes: Offer optional fresh herb accent and spicy kick.

How to Prepare Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Place a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cook the chicken, turning once, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the meat is completely cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it bubbles and becomes slightly foamy.

Add minced garlic and sauté until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance and the garlic turns light golden.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the liquid.

Whisk continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency with no lumps.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Vegetables

Stir in the following ingredients:
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Fresh spinach

Let the spinach gently wilt and soften in the warm sauce, creating a colorful and nutritious blend.

Step 5: Reunite and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the luscious sauce.

Allow everything to simmer together for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld and intensify.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Tuscan chicken to serving plates.

Optional garnishes include fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Enjoy immediately while hot and aromatic.

Expert Tips for Creamy Tuscan Chicken

  • Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform thickness, promoting consistent cooking and preventing dry edges.
  • Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
  • Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the pan before adding chicken to enhance herb aromatics and intensify taste.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a lighter, plant-based alternative that maintains rich flavor.
  • Use fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes at room temperature to help them blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.

Flavor Variations for Tuscan Chicken

  • Mediterranean Light Version: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt and use grilled chicken breast for a healthier protein option.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for creamy texture and flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip sun-dried tomatoes, replace spinach with kale, and serve over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or white beans, maintaining the rich Tuscan-inspired sauce and seasoning profile.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Tuscan Chicken

  • Pasta Paradise: Serve this creamy Tuscan chicken over a bed of al dente linguine or fettuccine for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
  • Mediterranean Platter: Slice the chicken and arrange it on a large platter with roasted vegetables, olives, and warm pita bread for a stunning family-style presentation.
  • Salad Sensation: Chop the chicken and toss it over a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, creating a lighter yet satisfying lunch option.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Plate the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a nutritious, carb-conscious alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Tuscan chicken recipe blends Italian herbs with creamy sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal. Garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes elevate this dish for you to savor with crusty bread.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Flavor Enhancers and Liquid Components:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium heat, seasoning chicken breasts with aromatic herbs and spices until achieving a golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
  2. Remove chicken and maintain skillet heat, gently melting butter and introducing minced garlic, releasing its rich fragrance throughout the cooking surface.
  3. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking Parmesan cheese until the mixture transforms into a velvety, uniform sauce with luxurious consistency.
  4. Incorporate vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves, allowing the greens to gradually soften and absorb the creamy sauce’s robust flavors.
  5. Carefully reintroduce seared chicken into the skillet, allowing proteins to gently bathe in the aromatic sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes at low simmer.
  6. Transfer the completed dish to serving plates, garnishing with optional fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for added complexity and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts with skinless, boneless thighs for more tender and juicy meat that absorbs flavors better.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize the dish’s seasoning intensity.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Create a gluten-free option by ensuring all ingredients like Parmesan cheese and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 506 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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