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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy tuscan chicken - featured image

A rich and comforting creamy Tuscan chicken dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a naturally thickened Parmesan sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach (about 3 oz / 90 g) or frozen, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Let rest while heating the pan (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but does not smoke.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same pan. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. If using frozen spinach, stir well and let excess moisture evaporate.
  6. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and scrape the browned bits off the pan bottom with a wooden spoon. Let simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  7. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with remaining Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer for another 3-5 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
  9. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the chicken. Pair with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for better sauce texture and flavor. Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen. Frozen spinach should be thawed and drained well to prevent watery sauce. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Chicken thighs can be used but require longer cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, easy chicken recipe, creamy chicken, Italian chicken, weeknight dinner, comfort food