Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm, comforting hug with every bite. This skillet recipe brings together juicy pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, speckled with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant treat.

Whether you’re cooking for guests or craving a cozy family meal, this dish balances richness and freshness beautifully. The Tuscan flair—herbs, creamy base, and vibrant veggies—makes it irresistible when served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to here for their tenderness and lean texture. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs will also soak up the creamy sauce nicely and add an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients for the Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken Breasts: The heart of the dish—juicy and protein-packed. Searing them adds a golden crust that holds up in the sauce.

Garlic: A must for adding deep, aromatic flavor to the cream base.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bring a tangy, sweet contrast that cuts through the richness of the cream.

Heavy Cream: The backbone of the sauce, making it silky and indulgent.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.

Spinach: A burst of color and nutrients that balances the creamy elements.

Chicken Broth: Adds a savory layer to the sauce and helps thin it out without diluting flavor.

Italian Seasoning: Infuses the dish with a medley of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil.

Olive Oil & Butter: Used for searing and sautéing, combining for flavor and even cooking.

How To Make the Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken until golden and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed, then sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits for extra flavor. Reduce slightly, then stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Add the Greens

Fold in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to soak up all the flavor.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with al dente fettuccine, creamy mashed potatoes, or a warm bed of rice to soak up the rich sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash. A side of crusty bread is always welcome to scoop up every last bit.

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving at high temperatures to prevent the sauce from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs will give a richer flavor and stay juicy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The taste will be different but still delicious.

What vegetables can I add?

Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts all complement the creamy sauce well.

Can I freeze Creamy Tuscan Chicken?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free, you’re good to go.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, just store the cooked chicken and sauce separately and combine when ready to reheat.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If Creamy Tuscan Chicken has won you over, you might want to explore other hearty and flavorful dinner options from my kitchen.

You might also like the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup, perfect for cooler nights when you crave something soul-warming.

The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta offers a creamy and beefy twist that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Or check out Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you want something indulgent with bold flavor.

Looking for something fun and spicy? The One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta hits all the right notes with minimal cleanup. And don’t overlook the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta—it’s bold, creamy, and satisfying.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Try it with thighs? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bring this to life.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and comforting skillet dish featuring pan-seared chicken breasts in a garlic Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Perfect over pasta or mashed potatoes for a cozy dinner.

Instructions

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Sear chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
Add heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until sauce thickens.
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
Return chicken to skillet and simmer 5 minutes, spooning sauce over top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner