Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal at home with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe. It features perfectly seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, velvety sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and baby spinach.

This dish comes together quickly, so it’s a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, but it’s impressive enough for special occasions. Get ready for a simple yet incredibly flavorful one-pan dinner.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (4, 6 oz each): The main protein, seasoned and seared to perfection.
• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A classic blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon) & Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Use these to properly season the chicken before searing.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
• Yellow Onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Adds a foundational savory flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves (4, minced): Essential for a robust and aromatic sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup, thinly sliced): They provide a concentrated, sweet, and tangy flavor.
• Baby Spinach (2 cups): Fresh spinach that wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups): This creates the rich, decadent base of the Tuscan sauce.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan (¼ cup): Adds a salty, nutty flavor that deepens the sauce’s richness.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This one-pan recipe makes it easy to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal fuss.

Season and Sear the Chicken

First, season both sides of each chicken breast generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The goal is to get a nice golden-brown crust. Once they’re seared, remove the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens. After that, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, cooking for another minute until they become fragrant. Then, add the baby spinach and sauté for just a minute more, allowing it to start wilting. Finally, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring everything together. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Finish the Dish

Once the sauce is simmering, carefully place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for about 5 minutes, ensuring it heats through completely. The rich, creamy sauce will coat the chicken and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken

• Adjusting for Chicken Thickness: If you use extra-thick chicken breasts, you might need to sear them a bit longer. For a faster and more even cook time, you can also pound them to a uniform thickness or butterfly each breast.
• Dairy-Free Options: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream alternative like full-fat coconut milk. You can also replace the Parmesan with 1 to 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Choosing Sun-Dried Tomatoes: When selecting sun-dried tomatoes, the jarred ones packed in oil are perfect for this recipe because they are soft and easy to slice.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a truly satisfying meal that proves simple can be spectacular. The combination of rich, savory flavors and tender chicken makes this dish a perfect go-to for any night of the week. With just one pan and minimal effort, you can prepare a meal that’s both delicious and impressive.