Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups baby spinach; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, for garnish

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🍗 Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes 🍅

1. Introduction

This creamy Tuscan chicken is a show-stopping dinner that feels like a restaurantpecialty—yet comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a luxurious, velvety sauce packed with roasted garlic, caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and wilted fresh spinach. The result? A vibrant, comforting dish with bold Mediterranean-meets-Italian flavors and just the right balance of richness and brightness. Whether you’re rushing weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this creamy Tuscan chicken dinner delivers every time.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
One-pan cooking means less cleanup and more flavor development
Creamy, comforting, yet surprisingly light thanks to fresh spinach
Gluten-free and easily adaptable for dairy-free preferences
Packed with flavor and nutrients—chicken, spinach, tomatoes, and garlic
Pair beautifully with pasta, rice, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread

3. Ingredient Notes

The magic of this dish lies in quality ingredients—don’t skip these highlights:

Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed) provide deep umami sweetness. Oil-packed is far more flavorful than dry-pack and adds richness to the sauce.
Heavy cream creates that signature creamy texture, but full-fat coconut milk works for a dairy-free version (just add a splash of lemon to brighten).

Garlic-infused olive oil (or fresh garlic) brings aromatic depth—smell it as it sizzles to know it’s ready.
Chicken breasts should be cut evenly to ensure uniform cooking—no dry or raw pieces!
fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and adds color, texture, and nutrients—don’t overcook it or it turns swampy.

Low-sodium chicken broth lets you control salt levels, especially important with salty sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

You’ll want a few well-chosen tools to get perfectly golden chicken and creamy sauce every time:

T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set—the durable, warp-resistant pans and even heat distribution ensure your chicken browns beautifully without sticking.

Deluxe 33-Piece Silicone Utensil Set—heat-resistant spatulas and spoons let you scrape every bit of golden crust from pan edges without scratching.
Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics—great for reheating leftovers crisp without losing moisture (or for roasting extra veggies to serve alongside).
JoyJolt Airtight Glass Food Storage Set—perfect for storing leftovers—this chicken tastes even better the next day!

5. How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Phase 1: Sear & Sauté

Start by seasoning chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or use garlic-infused oil directly) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add diced onion. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes (chopped细), cooking 1 minute more until fragrant—watch the garlic so it doesn’t burn!

Phase 2: Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and scraped chicken drippings to deglaze—scrape the bottom to lift all those flavorful bits. Stir in heavy cream, dry white wine (optional but recommended), and half the Parmesan cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Phase 3: Finish & Simmer

Add fresh spinach in batches, letting each batch wilt before adding more. Return the sliced chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan and stir gently. Let rest 2–3 minutes off heat—the residual heat will finish cooking everything tenderly.

6. Expert Tips for Success

✓ Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear chicken in batches if needed—crowding steams instead of sears, leading to pale, bland chicken.

✓ Use fully thawed chicken. Cold chicken stops the deglazing process and cools the pan, messing with your sauce development.

✓ Preserve that vibrant green spinach. Add spinach in stages and pull the pan off heat before the last addition—color fades fast if overcooked.

✓ Balance acidity. If your sun-dried tomatoes are very salty, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar at the end to round out flavors.

7. Variations & Substitutions

Dairy-free? Swap heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan instead of real cheese.

Low-carb or keto? Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles—this sauce clings beautifully to both.
Vegetarian? Replace chicken with pan-seared portobello mushrooms or firm extra-firm tofu, cut into thick slices.
Extra veggies? Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for more depth.

Wine-free? Use a splash of chicken broth + ½ tsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar to replicate acidity.

8. Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens as it cools—thin with a little broth or water when reheating.

Freezer: Freeze without the spinach (it turns mushy) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating: Warm gently over medium-low heat—avoid boiling, which can cause the cream to break. Stir in a fresh garnish before serving.

9. FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor—but reduce simmer time slightly since they cook faster.

Is this dish spicy?
No—not unless you add red pepper flakes. It’s savory, tangy, and creamy, but not heat-driven.

Why did my sauce break?
Overheating or boiling the cream too vigorously can cause separation. Keep it at a gentle simmer and finish off indirect heat.

What should I serve it with?
Hot cooked pasta (penne or fettuccine), creamy garlic mashed potatoes, or crusty sourdough for dipping all work beautifully.

10. Conclusion

This creamy Tuscan chicken is more than just dinner—it’s a celebration of bold, balanced flavors and thoughtful cooking. From the first golden sear to the final wilt of spinach, every step builds toward a dish that feels indulgent, satisfying, and completely achievable at home. Pair it with a crisp white wine and your favorite side, and savor the Mediterranean magic—your family will beg for seconds.

For more comforting one-pan dinners, try our Fall-Apart Tender Smothered Pork Chops, or loop into game day with our Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. And when dessert calls, wrap yourself in cozy sweetness with our Ultimate Moist Chocolate Banana Bread.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes