Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach – One-Pan Dinner Recipe

What Is Creamy Tuscan Chicken?

Creamy Tuscan chicken is a flavorful dish made of pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a garlic-infused cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. It’s rich, comforting, and quick enough for a weeknight meal, but elegant enough for a dinner party.

Though not authentically Italian, this dish was inspired by the flavors of Tuscany—especially the creamy textures, robust cheeses, and sun-drenched vegetables like tomatoes and leafy greens.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan wonder: fewer dishes to clean
Ready in under 30 minutes
Bursting with creamy garlic flavor
Loaded with parmesan and cream
Packed with fresh spinach
Pairs with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or romantic date night, this creamy Tuscan chicken delivers impressive results with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves 4

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)

Kitchen Tools

Large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
Tongs or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Grater for cheese
Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Tip: Pound thicker parts of chicken to even thickness for faster, more even cooking.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the creamy sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom (flavor!).
Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce begins to thicken.

Add red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.

Step 5: Wilt the spinach

Stir in the spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until just wilted.

Step 6: Return chicken to pan

Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece.
Simmer for another 3–4 minutes to reheat and coat the chicken.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken

Classic Pairings:

Buttered pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, penne)
Creamy mashed potatoes
Garlic rice or risotto
Crusty artisan bread
Steamed vegetables or green beans

This dish is especially good served over a bed of buttery pasta or soft polenta that can soak up the luxurious sauce.

Tips for Success

Use quality parmesan

Freshly grated parmesan melts better and adds depth to the sauce. Avoid pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.

Don’t overcook the spinach

Just wilt it—overcooked spinach loses color and becomes slimy.

Add a splash of white wine

For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of dry white wine before adding cream.

Chicken thighs or breasts?

Use whichever you prefer. Thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, while breasts stay lean.

Optional Flavor Boosts

Mushrooms – Sauté with garlic before adding cream
Shallots or onions – Add for a sweeter base
Lemon zest or juice – Add brightness and cut through richness
Cream cheese – For a thicker, richer sauce

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce

Freezer:

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently

Note: The sauce may separate slightly after freezing—stir well during reheating.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – with sauce)

Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 5g
Fat: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

Recipe Recap

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach
🕒 Ready in: 30 minutes | 🍽️ Serves: 4

Seared juicy chicken
Creamy garlic parmesan sauce
Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach
One-pan elegance for weeknights or weekends

FAQ – Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try using a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, but it won’t be as thick.

Can I substitute the spinach?

Yes! Try kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Whole milk works, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, just store in the fridge and reheat. For the best texture, slightly undercook the chicken and finish cooking when reheating.

A Nod to Tuscan Flavors

While this dish isn’t traditional Tuscan fare, it draws inspiration from the rustic, herb-forward, and hearty cuisine of central Italy—especially dishes that pair dairy, leafy greens, and tomatoes. It’s a beautiful blend of creamy indulgence and Mediterranean flavor.

Perfect Occasions

Weeknight dinners
Meal prep lunches
Dinner parties
Date nights at home
Celebrations without the stress

Pair it with wine, candles, and you’re set.

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