Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that brings the heart of Italy right to your dinner table. Juicy chicken breasts are simmered in a silky sauce of cream, Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs, with vibrant tomatoes and spinach for balance. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to impress guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and stir well. Mix in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and let simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Finish with basil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Variation
- Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier, more tender result.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes for a bolder, tangier flavor.
- Stir in mushrooms or artichoke hearts to give the sauce extra depth and texture.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after searing to keep the juices locked in.
- Slowly add the Parmesan into the cream sauce while stirring to avoid clumping.
- Simmer on low once the cream is added boiling can cause the sauce to separate.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over al dente fettuccine or penne pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Pair with fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty comfort meal.
- Enjoy with warm crusty bread to scoop up every drop of the Tuscan-inspired sauce.
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half, but thicken with a little cornstarch.
- Garnish generously with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. To maintain creaminess, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water. -
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days, then gently reheat over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed. -
What can I substitute for fresh spinach?
You can use kale, Swiss chard, or even frozen spinach (thawed and drained) as alternatives. -
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the chicken and sauce are naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of what you serve it with—stick to gluten-free pasta or rice.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a beautiful balance of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors that feels gourmet but comes together in just 30 minutes. With its golden chicken, velvety sauce, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a dish that works equally well for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with your favorite side, and watch it become a family favorite.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that brings the heart of Italy right to your dinner table. Juicy chicken breasts are simmered in a silky sauce of cream, Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs, with vibrant tomatoes and spinach for balance. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to impress guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and stir well. Mix in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and let simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Finish with basil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- Substitute sun-dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes if you prefer a more robust flavor.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese into the sauce.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken, skillet chicken, Italian chicken recipe