Creamy Tuscan Chicken: A Flavor-Packed Skillet with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

When it comes to restaurant-style dinners you can make at home, few dishes beat the creamy richness and bold flavors of Tuscan Chicken. Picture this: juicy pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, dotted with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Italian herbs. It’s rustic, comforting, and elegant all at once.

I first fell in love with Tuscan-style chicken at a little trattoria in Florence, where the sauce was served over handmade pasta. The silky cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and leafy greens created an unforgettable harmony of flavors. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is my homage to that meal—adapted into an easy one-skillet recipe that’s perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Tuscan Chicken

• One-skillet wonder: Easy cooking, easy cleanup.

• Ready in under 40 minutes: Perfect for busy nights.

• Rich and indulgent: A creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce loaded with flavor.

• Restaurant-quality at home: Impress guests or treat yourself.

• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, potatoes, or bread.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Tuscan Cream Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced

• 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken)

• ¾ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter sauce)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)

• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

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How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).

4. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.

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Step 2: Build the Tuscan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly to release flavor.

3. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up brown bits from the pan.

5. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

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Step 3: Add Spinach and Chicken

1. Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt in the sauce.

2. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece.

3. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors and reheat the chicken.

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Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh parsley or basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.

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What to Serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This rich dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides:

Pasta & Grains:

• Fettuccine, penne, or linguine

• Creamy risotto

• Steamed white or wild rice

• Orzo or couscous

Potatoes:

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Roasted baby potatoes

• Crispy Parmesan potato wedges

Vegetables & Bread:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Roasted asparagus

• Crusty bread or garlic bread (to mop up sauce!)

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Tips for Success

• Pound thick chicken breasts for even cooking.

• Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil for maximum flavor—pat dry before slicing.

• Deglaze the skillet: Scrape up those golden bits from searing the chicken—they add tons of flavor to the sauce.

• Don’t overcook the cream: Simmer gently to prevent curdling.

• Double the sauce: It’s the star of the dish—perfect if serving with pasta or bread.

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Variations to Try

Tuscan Mushroom Chicken

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist.

Lemon Tuscan Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and zest for brightness.

Bacon Tuscan Chicken

Cook 3 slices of bacon first, remove, and crumble. Cook chicken in bacon fat, then stir bacon back into the sauce.

Dairy-Free Version

Use full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead

• Chicken can be seared in advance, sauce made separately, and combined before serving.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

• Skillet: Warm gently with a splash of broth or cream.

• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals at 50% power, stirring sauce to prevent separation.

Freezing

• Cream sauces can separate when frozen, so freezing isn’t ideal. If freezing, stir well when reheating.

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Healthier Swaps

• Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream.

• Replace Parmesan with part-skim mozzarella for less fat.

• Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

• Add extra spinach or zucchini to boost nutrients.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Thighs are juicier and bring extra flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Whole milk works, but the sauce will be thinner. Add extra Parmesan or flour to help thicken.

What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes?

You can omit them, but they’re key to the Tuscan flavor. Substitute with roasted red peppers for a milder, sweet option.

What wine pairs with Tuscan Chicken?

A crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs perfectly. For red, try Chianti.

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Conclusion: A Taste of Tuscany at Home

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is more than just dinner—it’s a flavor journey. With juicy chicken, a silky Parmesan cream sauce, earthy spinach, and the bold tang of sun-dried tomatoes, it’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and gourmet.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or treating yourself, this one-skillet wonder is bound to impress. Serve it with pasta, rice, or a crusty loaf of bread and you’ll have a dish that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.

Loved this recipe? Share it with your foodie friends or save it for your next weeknight dinner idea. Craving more creamy comfort meals? Try our Creamy Garlic Chicken, Creamy Mushroom Chicken, or Garlic Butter Steak Bites next!

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