Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs. This quick and easy recipe delivers an indulgent, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners, made with simple ingredients and bursting with vibrant flavors.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and veggies: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking just until the spinach wilts and tomatoes release their tangy flavor.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken gently on low heat. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried herbs to taste.
- Combine and simmer: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken remains moist and tender.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; cook chicken in batches if needed for a perfect golden crust.
- Use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
- Add spinach last to keep its bright green color and prevent overcooking.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat to thicken properly without curdling the cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Italian chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, creamy chicken dish, sun-dried tomatoes chicken, spinach chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe