There’s something magical about the smell of garlic sizzling in butter — that unmistakable start to something cozy, indulgent, and soul-warming. This creamy Tuscan chicken brings together everything you crave in one skillet: tender golden chicken, a luscious Parmesan sauce, sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach that melts right into the cream.
Imagine this: a bubbling pan of creamy sauce that clings to every bite, rich with Mediterranean flavor and hints of garlic and herbs. Whether you serve it with pasta, orzo, gnocchi, or low-carb zucchini noodles — it’s always a hit.
This is the only Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe you’ll ever need.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- One-pan magic: Fewer dishes, more flavor — all cooked in one skillet.
- Restaurant-level flavor: Creamy, garlicky, tangy, and comforting in every bite.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or keep it keto with cauliflower mash.
- Family favorite: Kid-approved and elegant enough for dinner guests.
- Quick & easy: Ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for weeknights.
- Adaptable: Works beautifully in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or baked.
- Nutritious: Packed with spinach, garlic, and healthy fats.
- Freezer-friendly: Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board & sharp knife
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for extra juiciness
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for extra richness
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes sliced (oil-packed, drained)
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream or half & half for lighter version
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional for a gentle kick
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Optional additions:
- ½ cup mushrooms sliced — for earthy depth
- 1 cup cooked orzo or tortellini — for a heartier meal
- 1 tbsp cream cheese — for extra creaminess
Instructions
- Sear the chicken. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics. In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and (if using) mushrooms, stirring gently to release their oils.
- Make the creamy sauce. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up brown bits. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is silky smooth.
- Add spinach. Fold in fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili flakes.
- Combine and simmer. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened and glossy. Pro Tip: If you want to serve with pasta or orzo, toss it directly into the sauce at this stage — it soaks up every drop of flavor!
Notes
How to Save It for Later
- Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of cream.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (best without spinach; add fresh spinach when reheating).
Nutrition
Little Secrets for Success
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best depth of flavor.
- Don’t rush the sear — those golden bits on the bottom make the sauce heavenly.
- Add a splash of white wine when deglazing for a subtle Tuscan twist.
- For a low-carb version, serve with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
- Want it extra creamy? Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone.
Fun Variations to Try
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake: Mix with cooked penne, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken: Combine everything (except spinach and cream) for 3 hours on high, then stir in cream and spinach at the end.
- Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Soup: Add chicken broth, tortellini, and extra spinach for a cozy, creamy soup.
- Keto Tuscan Chicken: Swap cream for coconut milk and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Mushroom & Artichoke Twist: Add artichokes and sautéed mushrooms for a rustic Italian flair.
- Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken: Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, quick release, and stir in cream and spinach.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this creamy Tuscan chicken with:
- Garlic butter orzo or creamy mashed potatoes
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Crusty bread for scooping every last bit of sauce
A Bite Full of Health
This creamy Tuscan chicken and spinach dish is rich yet balanced. You get protein from the chicken, fiber and antioxidants from spinach, and healthy fats from olive oil. The sun-dried tomatoes are full of lycopene — a powerful antioxidant — while garlic supports your immune system and adds that unmistakable aroma of comfort.
Questions You Might Have (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs stay juicier and add more flavor.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan.
Can I add pasta directly to the pan?
Yes! Add cooked pasta, or even orzo or tortellini, to make it a one-pan pasta dinner.
How do I make this lower in carbs?
Serve over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower mash.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — combine all except spinach and cream for 3 hours on high; stir them in at the end.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, just skip adding spinach before freezing and add it fresh when reheating.
Nothing beats a homemade pan of creamy Tuscan chicken — it’s cozy, rich, and absolutely irresistible. The mix of garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes feels like an Italian getaway in your kitchen.
