Tuscan Chicken – Easy Creamy

Tuscan Chicken – This creamy, savory dish is packed with flavors from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tender chicken, all bathed in a rich, velvety sauce.

What is Tuscan Chicken?

Tuscan Chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish inspired by the rustic cuisine of Tuscany, Italy. It typically features seared chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce made from heavy cream or half-and-half, with bursts of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach. The richness of the sauce is often enhanced with Parmesan cheese, making it irresistibly creamy. Some recipes even include a splash of white wine or chicken broth to elevate the depth of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and easy: Ready in 30-40 minutes.
• One-pan meal: Less cleanup, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile: Customize it with different vegetables or serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you dive into making this creamy Tuscan Chicken, gather these ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Skinless and boneless; thinly sliced for quicker cooking.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed for the best flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrition.
• Garlic: A must-have for authentic Tuscan flavors.
• Heavy Cream: For that luxurious, creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami kick to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth or White Wine: For deglazing the pan and adding extra depth.
• Olive Oil: Preferably extra virgin, for sautéing.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Tuscan Chicken

1. Pound your chicken breasts: For even cooking, use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
2. Don’t skimp on the sun-dried tomatoes: The tanginess of these tomatoes balances the richness of the creamy sauce, so they’re essential!
3. Use high-quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and provide a deeper flavor than pre-packaged options.
4. Deglaze the pan: This step is crucial to incorporating all the browned bits of chicken into your sauce, creating a more flavorful base.
5. Add red pepper flakes: For a little kick of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Recipe Variations

While the classic version of Tuscan Chicken is already perfect, there are several delicious ways to switch things up and suit your tastes.

1. Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Add cooked penne or fettuccine to the skillet, tossing everything in the sauce for a satisfying pasta dish.
2. Keto Tuscan Chicken: Stick to the classic recipe but serve it over cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb version.
3. Tuscan Chicken with Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms along with the sun-dried tomatoes to add an earthy flavor to the dish.
4. Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
5. Bacon: Crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top add extra flavor and crunch to the dish.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken

Tuscan Chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a hearty base for this flavorful dish.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or risotto will soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Crusty Bread: Use bread to mop up every last drop of the delicious sauce!

For a lighter meal, you can also serve Tuscan Chicken with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

How to Store and Reheat Tuscan Chicken

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. However, be aware that the creamy sauce may separate slightly when thawed.

Reheating:

• On the Stove: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce if needed.
• In the Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take longer to cook through.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk works well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Tuscan Chicken is great for meal prepping. Make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

Is Tuscan Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check all your ingredients, especially if using pre-made chicken broth or seasonings.

Final Thoughts

Tuscan Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its rich sauce and perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, it’s the kind of recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together in under 40 minutes! Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just an easy weeknight dinner, this dish brings the warm, rustic flavors of Tuscany straight to your table.

Still Hungry! Try these chicken recipes:

• Lemon Chicken
• Chicken and Rice
• Marry Me Chicken