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; 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

Imagine tender chicken bathed in a luscious sauce that’s bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan—this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe is exactly that kind of comforting magic. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but comes together with surprisingly little effort, making weekday dinners feel special.

The image shows four thick chicken pieces in a white pan, covered with a creamy orange sauce mixed with wilted dark green spinach and deep red sun-dried tomatoes. The chicken is light golden with some black pepper spots, partially submerged in the sauce, which has a smooth texture. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth underneath, adding soft contrast. 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

When I first made this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe, I was blown away by how rich yet fresh it tasted. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is really simple to whip up, which makes it a go-to when I want to impress without stress.

Quick yet impressive: You get a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 40 minutes.
Flavor-packed sauce: The combo of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan creates a vibrant sauce that’s anything but ordinary.
Flexible and customizable: It’s easy to add your favorite veggies or swap cream for dairy-free options to suit your taste.
Perfect for meal prep: You can make this ahead and it reheats beautifully, keeping its creamy goodness.

The image shows four cooked chicken pieces in a white pan, covered in a thick, creamy light orange sauce. The sauce has green spinach leaves and pieces of dark red sun-dried tomatoes spread throughout. The chicken pieces are lightly browned with black pepper sprinkled on top. The pan is placed on a gray cloth, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe plays an important role to make sure you get that rich, layered flavor with every bite. The combination of Italian seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes brings that classic Tuscan vibe, while spinach adds freshness and nutrients without overwhelming the dish. Here’s a quick rundown of why these ingredients shine.

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of mixed dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary), a white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with golden extra virgin olive oil, four whole uncracked garlic bulbs beside four peeled cloves, a small heap of finely chopped yellow onion, a simple white bowl containing thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, a handful of fresh vibrant green baby spinach leaves, a white ceramic bowl filled with thick heavy cream, and a small white bowl holding freshly grated parmesan cheese, all arranged symmetrically with balanced proportions 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: I like using boneless, skinless breasts as they cook evenly and soak up the sauce perfectly.
Italian seasoning: This mix brings herbal notes of oregano, thyme, and basil that are so essential for authenticity.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning that ensures the chicken is flavorful inside and out.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps sear the chicken to a beautiful golden crust.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives that punch of aroma and flavor that you really can’t substitute.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed before the sauce comes together.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Their concentrated tangy sweetness elevates the sauce and gives it that signature Tuscan flair.
Baby spinach: Wilted gently for a mild, fresh lift and added nutrients.
Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that defines the dish; look for full-fat for best results.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that deepens the flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.

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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 switching things up depending on my mood or what’s in my pantry. This creamy Tuscan chicken recipe is really forgiving and lends itself well to all kinds of tweaks—so don’t be shy about making it your own.

Variation: I once added mushrooms and swapped spinach for kale—gave it an earthier, heartier vibe that my family gobbled up.
Dairy-free option: For a lighter version, I’ve replaced heavy cream with canned coconut milk and used nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. It’s surprisingly delicious!
Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some finely chopped jalapeños adds a nice kick if you like heat.
Make it vegetarian: Use large portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks instead of chicken, and sauté them until tender before adding the sauce.

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

Step 1: Season and Prep Your Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry. This is key to getting a nice sear instead of steaming them. Sprinkle both sides evenly with the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy here—seasoning really makes the flavor pop.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side without moving them too much—resist the urge to peek! You're aiming for a gorgeous golden crust. Once seared, transfer them to a plate and set aside; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes next, cooking for another minute to release those wonderful aromas.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Creamy Goodness

Toss in the baby spinach, stirring just until it starts to wilt—about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the top. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. This is where that sauce becomes silky and utterly dreamy.

Step 5: Finish Cooking and Serve

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Let them cook for about 5 more minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens a bit. If the sauce gets too thick, splash in a little water or broth to loosen it up.

Top Tip

Making this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe for the first time? I’ve got your back. Here’s what I’ve learned after a few kitchen experiments to get it just right every time.

Don’t skip drying the chicken: Patting it dry helps you get that golden crust, which adds texture and flavor.
Use fresh garlic: Garlic powders just don’t deliver the same punch. Freshly minced garlic will give your sauce that authentic zing.
Watch the cream simmer: Low and slow is best here—too high heat can curdle the cream.
Sun-dried tomatoes count: Use the kind packed in oil, then drain and slice them thinly; it’s worth that extra step for flavor and texture.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few freshly chopped basil leaves on top for a pop of color and a sweet, herbal lift that balances the richness perfectly. A little extra parmesan on the side doesn’t hurt either—because, why not?

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up all that sauce. Sometimes I serve it with a side of roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad to add a fresh crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like plating the chicken over a bed of angel hair pasta, drizzling the sauce generously, and topping it with a few artfully placed sun-dried tomato slices and spinach leaves. It looks gorgeous and feels a bit indulgent without any extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to enjoy them within 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s best to loosen it slightly with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes pretty well! I let it cool fully, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you're ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Reheating

I recommend reheating this creamy Tuscan chicken gently on the stovetop rather than the microwave. Low heat keeps the sauce creamy and prevents separation. Add a splash of water or cream if it feels too thick as it warms.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They stay juicy and tender, and their richer flavor complements the creamy sauce well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for heavy cream if I have dietary restrictions?

You can use coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer as a substitute to keep the sauce creamy and dairy-free. Keep in mind the flavor will change slightly, so adding nutritional yeast can help bring a cheesy taste without the dairy.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat on low to medium when simmering the cream sauce and avoid boiling it vigorously. Stir continuously and add the cheese gradually to help the sauce thicken smoothly without curdling.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat gently before serving. It’s great for meal prep and actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or looking to wow friends with something special, it delivers every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s a beautiful reminder that great meals don’t have to be complicated.