Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe: Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home

Have you ever craved that rich, creamy restaurant-style chicken dish but hesitated at the price tag? This tuscan chicken recipe brings authentic Italian flavors straight to your kitchen, combining tender chicken breasts with a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that rivals any upscale dining experience. Making this tuscan chicken with sun dried tomatoes at home not only saves money but also allows you to control ingredient quality and customize flavors to your family's preferences. With simple pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Ingredients List

    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
    • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Optional: Fresh basil for garnish

For the Sauce:

    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • Optional: 1/4 cup white wine for depth

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

This quick timing makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need an impressive meal without the lengthy commitment. You'll spend less time cooking than ordering takeout and waiting for delivery.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Pound thicker portions to even thickness (about 3/4 inch) for uniform cooking. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken breasts and cook 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Don't move them around—let that beautiful crust develop! Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add sun-dried tomatoes and remaining Italian seasoning. This step creates the foundation for your authentic tuscan chicken recipe sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If using wine, add it with the broth for extra complexity.

Step 5: Add Greens and Finish Fold in fresh spinach and red pepper flakes, cooking until spinach wilts (about 2 minutes). Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer 3-4 minutes to meld flavors. This tuscan chicken with sun dried tomatoes preparation ensures every bite is coated in creamy goodness.

Step 6: Serve Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

    • Calories: 485
    • Protein: 42g
    • Carbohydrates: 9g
    • Fat: 31g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 15% DV
    • Iron: 18% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan. The sauce remains creamy with tropical undertones.

Keto-Friendly: This recipe is naturally low-carb. Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it keto-compliant.

Protein Swaps: Try boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or use salmon fillets for a seafood twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Meal Prep: Make the sauce ahead and store separately. Sear chicken fresh for best texture, then combine and heat through.

Flavor Boost: Add capers, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms for additional Mediterranean flair. A splash of lemon juice brightens the richness beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: Using a meat thermometer prevents dry, rubbery chicken. Remove from heat at exactly 165°F—carryover cooking will finish it perfectly.

Sauce Breaking: Adding cream to a boiling pan causes separation. Always reduce heat to a gentle simmer before introducing dairy products.

Skipping the Deglazing Step: Those browned bits add incredible depth. Don't skip scraping the pan with broth—that's where flavor lives.

Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Add it after reducing heat and cook only until aromatic, not brown.

Using Low-Fat Dairy: Heavy cream is essential for proper sauce consistency. Light cream or milk will result in a thin, watery sauce that won't coat the chicken properly.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store this tuscan chicken recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and prevent drying.

For reheating, use gentle heat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce's silky texture. Microwave reheating works but may slightly separate the sauce—whisk it back together while warming.

Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, though the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat slowly on the stovetop, whisking frequently. The tuscan chicken with sun dried tomatoes flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the original meal. Add fresh spinach when reheating to brighten the dish.