Looking for a restaurant-quality dinner that comes together in just one skillet? This Creamy Tuscan Chicken features juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic parmesan sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
It is the ultimate lazy gourmet meal—quick enough for busy weeknights, low-carb friendly, and requires minimal cleanup. Whether you are a busy parent needing a fast family favorite or someone looking for a comforting meal without the hassle, this dish delivers massive flavor in under half an hour.
Tested & Approved
Credibility Note: This recipe has been rigorously tested in the Ena Recipes Kitchen to ensure the sauce consistency is perfect and the chicken remains juicy. We have verified the measurements to guarantee a hassle-free cooking experience for beginners and experts alike.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets).
- Seasoning: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ½ tsp paprika.
- Fats: 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.
- Aromatics: 1 small onion (finely diced) and 4 cloves garlic (minced).
- Vegetables: 5 oz (150g) fresh baby spinach and ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped).
- Liquids: ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred).
- Dairy: 1 cup heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream) and ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron or non-stick) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp reaches $165^\circ\text{F}$ / $74^\circ\text{C}$). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (flavor!) from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low-medium. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down completely (about 2 minutes).
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken (and any juices from the plate) back into the pan. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken to reheat it slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Tips, Variations & Storage
- Dairy-Free / Paleo Swap: Replace the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Vegetable Variations: Not a fan of spinach? This recipe works beautifully with chopped kale or asparagus.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce separates or gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back together.
- Serving Ideas: Serve this over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. For a low-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are excellent for this recipe. They are naturally juicier and harder to overcook. Just sear them a few minutes longer than the breasts.
My sauce is too thin, how do I fix it?
Let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes; the evaporation will thicken it. Alternatively, add a little more Parmesan cheese.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Milk is much thinner and may curdle when boiled with acidic ingredients like tomatoes. If you must use milk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of flour (slurry) before adding it to the pan to help it thicken and stabilize.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimates per serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 9 g
- Fat: 40 g
Conclusion
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone craving a comforting meal that feels fancy but cooks up fast. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into a weekly meal rotation. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
