Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (thinly sliced); 2 cups baby spinach; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

There’s something about the rich, velvety sauce paired with tender chicken and fresh spinach that makes this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe an absolute standout. It’s the kind of dish that’s both comforting and fancy enough to impress without a fuss.

The image shows a white pan filled with four pieces of cooked chicken, each coated with a thick, creamy orange sauce. The sauce contains visible dark green spinach leaves and red sun-dried tomato strips scattered on top and around the chicken. The chicken pieces are placed in a slightly uneven arrangement, with a smooth sauce texture holding everything together. The background has a white marbled texture with a gray cloth partially visible under the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this creamy Tuscan chicken has become my go-to dinner when I want something simple yet indulgent. The flavors are rich but not overwhelming, and it comes together faster than you’d think.

Bold flavor combo: Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic create an irresistible sauce base that pairs perfectly with creamy parmesan and spinach.
Quick to make: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 35 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Flexible ingredients: This recipe lets you swap in what you have on hand or adjust for dietary needs easily.
Impressive but approachable: It looks like you spent hours cooking, but I promise it’s one skillet magic.

The image shows a white pan filled with four large pieces of cooked chicken covered in a thick, creamy yellow-orange sauce. Mixed into the sauce are dark green spinach leaves and strips of red sun-dried tomatoes, adding bursts of color and texture. The chicken pieces have a slight brown sear and are spread out evenly, partially submerged in the sauce, which looks rich and smooth. The pan sits on a soft gray cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors here. When you shop, fresh garlic and quality sun-dried tomatoes really bring the sauce alive, so don’t skimp on those.

Flat lay of four boneless skinless chicken breasts with a light sprinkle of mixed Italian dried herbs, a small pile of coarse kosher salt crystals, a few grinds of freshly cracked black peppercorns, three tablespoons of golden extra virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, four fresh garlic cloves, a small mound of finely chopped yellow onion, a small white bowl of thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, a handful of vibrant baby spinach leaves, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, and a neat pile of freshly grated parmesan cheese all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and a tender bite.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavor.
Kosher salt & black pepper: The essential seasoning duo that enhances every bite.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps create that golden sear on the chicken.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic brings a hearty aroma and depth that jarred garlic just can’t match.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and texture in the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Their concentrated tang and umami flavor takes the sauce to the next level.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and vibrant color, wilting perfectly into the cream sauce.
Heavy cream: The silky base that brings all the flavors together into a luscious sauce. (Try coconut cream for dairy-free!)
Parmesan cheese: For that irresistible savory note and slight nuttiness.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what mood I’m in or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to swap out spinach for kale, add mushrooms, or even toss in some crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.

Variation: One time, I swapped the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option, and the result was surprisingly delicious and creamy.
Seasonal twist: During summer, I like to add fresh basil leaves at the end for a bright, herbaceous note.
Low-carb option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it light and keto-friendly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear Your Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Then heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot and shimmering, add the chicken and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The chicken should develop a beautiful golden crust—don’t rush this step! Once done, remove your chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the finely chopped yellow onion. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent and sweet-smelling. Then add the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Stir them around for about a minute until fragrant—you’ll start to smell the magic happening here!

Step 3: Add the Greens and Cream

Next, toss in the baby spinach and cook for about a minute more, just enough for it to start wilting but still retain its vibrant green color. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. This creamy mixture will thicken up nicely while you finish cooking.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and heated well. The sauce will cling to the chicken with that irresistible velvety texture you want.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even better—these tips will help you nail this dish every time.

Proper searing: Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; giving it space lets it brown properly and seals in juices.
Sun-dried tomato choice: Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor and softer texture, but if using dry ones, rehydrate them in warm water first.
Simmer gently: Keep the cream on low heat—boiling cream can cause it to split, so watch the temperature carefully.
Cheese addition: Always stir in parmesan off the heat right before serving for a smooth, cheesy finish without clumping.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving — it brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

This creamy Tuscan chicken is fantastic served over warm buttery pasta, garlic mashed potatoes, or even creamy polenta. On lighter nights, I go for roasted veggies or a crisp green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the chicken on a bed of herb-infused risotto with a drizzle of balsamic glaze around it. It adds a gourmet touch without much extra work—and guests always ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it chills, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing works well for this dish, just skip adding the parmesan if you want the best texture after thawing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce creamy without separating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and they work beautifully in this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

What can I use as a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream?

Coconut cream is a great dairy-free substitute that still provides a rich and creamy texture. Just be mindful it will add a slight coconut flavor, which pairs nicely with the other ingredients.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead, then refrigerate both separately. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop and combine just before serving for the best texture.

What sides pair best with creamy Tuscan chicken?

Classic options include pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or polenta to soak up all that luscious sauce. For lighter sides, steamed vegetables or a crisp salad balance the richness beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This creamy Tuscan chicken recipe has become one of those meals I always want to share because it feels like such a little act of kindness—tender, flavorful, and luxuriously creamy without being complicated. I hope you enjoy making it (and eating it!) as much as I do. You’ll find it easy, flexible, and a total crowd-pleaser—just what a home-cooked favorite should be.