Creating a Creamy Delight in 20 Minutes
Imagine this: succulent, golden chicken bathed in a smooth cream sauce enriched with garlic, sprinkled with sundried tomatoes and vibrant spinach, all cooked to perfection in just one skillet.
Sounds like something you’d find at an upscale eatery, doesn’t it? Think again! This Tuscan Chicken is here to save your weeknight meals—ready in just 20 minutes and packed with flavors that will make your mouth sing with joy.
It is said that Tuscan chefs were experts at transforming simple ingredients into impressive creations, and this dish follows that tradition. Although it may not be a timehonored family recipe (apologies, Nonna), it draws inspiration from the sunny hills of Tuscany, where fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and rich cream sauces are cherished. The best part? You won’t have to stand over a hot stove for hours or spend a fortune. Just grab some pantry staples and a little heavy cream, and you’ll create a dish that’s as pleasing as my popular OnePot Garlic Butter Chicken (you shouldn’t miss it!).
Whether you’re managing picky palates, a busy routine, or simply yearning for comforting food that feels guiltfree, this recipe fits the bill. Let’s get started—your fork awaits!
What Is Tuscan Chicken? (Spoiler: It’s Not About Geography)
Why refer to it as Tuscan Chicken? Did a bunch of chickens wander away from Florence? Did someone make a bet at a Renaissance festival? No! The name celebrates Tuscany’s passion for robust, straightforward flavors. Consider it Italy’s take on “quick and tasty. ” With sundried tomatoes offering a sweettart kick, spinach adding freshness, and that creamy Parmesan sauce? Let’s just say if “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” this dish could lead to a marriage proposal.
But here’s the twist: it isn’t entirely authentic. (Shh, let’s keep that from the purists. ) It’s a contemporary blend of Tuscan influence and shortcuts for modern living. Ready to channel your inner chef? Grab your frying pan—let’s make some sauce!
Reasons You’ll Adore This Tuscan Chicken
Creaminess That Rivals Restaurants, Without the Hassle
The highlight here is the rich sauce—filled with garlic flavor and sprinkled with Parmesan. It envelops each piece of chicken like a warm hug. Think of it as Chicken Alfredo, but with an added vegetable twist that’ll leave you feeling almost healthy.
Less Expensive Than Takeout (and Quicker!)
With the cost of a single takeout meal, you can serve four. A $6 carton of cream does most of the work, while sundried tomatoes from your cupboard provide a gourmet touch.
Highly Versatile
Switch spinach for kale, throw in some artichokes, or spice it up with chili flakes. It’s your kitchen—you decide how to do it!
Quick Steps for Making Tuscan Chicken
In just 20 minutes, you will:
Sear delicious chicken breasts.
Prepare a garlic and cream sauce.
Stir in spinach and tomatoes until they blend beautifully.
No special skills are needed—just a frying pan and a hungry appetite.
Essential Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken
(Image: A rustic wooden board featuring chicken breasts, sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, cream, Parmesan, and herbs. )
Chicken Breasts
(2 large, cut thin for quicker cooking)
Heavy Cream
(1 cup – go big or go home)
SunDried Tomatoes
(½ cup, packed in oil for extra taste)
Fresh Spinach
(2 cups – it shrinks down, I promise!)
Garlic
(3 cloves, minced – no jarred options!)
Chicken Broth
(½ cup – use high quality)
Parmesan Cheese
(⅓ cup, grated – the flavorful star)
Italian Seasoning
(1 tsp – because we’re clever and relaxed)
StepbyStep Directions
1. Sear the Chicken
Sprinkle 2 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Warm 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet on mediumhigh heat. Cook the chicken for 56 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Take them out of the pan and put them aside.
2. Making the Sauce!
In the same skillet, cook 3 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute (be careful not to burn!). Add ½ cup of chicken broth while scraping the browned bits from the bottom. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ⅓ cup of Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it thickens a little—about 3 minutes.
3. Adding the Veggies
Mix in ½ cup of sundried tomatoes and 2 cups of spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts down (around 12 minutes).
4. Bring Back the Chicken
Return the chicken to the sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Top with some extra Parmesan and basil. There you have it—dinner is ready!
What to Serve with Tuscan Chicken
Garlic Bread:
Perfect for soaking up that sauce.
Pasta or Mashed Potatoes: Great for carbs lovers!
Chilled White Wine:
A cool glass of Pinot Grigio balances the richness.
Best Tips for Perfect Tuscan Chicken
Is the Chicken Too Thick?
Flatten it to ½inch thickness for even cooking.
Cream Replacement:
You can use halfandhalf, but the sauce will be thinner.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan:
If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. A golden crust means more flavor.
Storage and Reheating Suggestions
Fridge:
Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to bring the sauce back to life.
Freeze:
Avoid freezing spinach (it will become mushy). Freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Try These Recipes Next!
If you want more tasty meat dishes, check out our guide on smoked brisket for another favorite!.
