Creamy Tuscan Chicken: The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of **Creamy Tuscan Chicken**, a beloved dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a luxurious Parmesan garlic cream sauce. This recipe is designed to cling to every bite, delivering an unforgettable culinary experience that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare.
Drawing inspiration from classic Italian-American favorites, much like our highly acclaimed Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp, Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi, and Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon, this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe elevates the traditional Olive Garden-style dish. We’ve meticulously crafted this version, adding thoughtful touches and layers of flavor to make this creamy Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes an even more irresistible sensation for your dinner table.

What Makes This Creamy Tuscan Chicken So Irresistible
While perfectly juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts are always a delightful start, it’s truly the decadent sauce that transforms this dish into a showstopper. The harmonious blend of fragrant garlic, sharp Parmesan, and intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes forms a rich, velvety base. This incredible sauce adheres to every succulent piece of chicken, ensuring a burst of flavor with each forkful. A generous splash of heavy cream completes the magic, turning it into the ultimate indulgent comfort food – a dish that feels sophisticated enough for a special occasion yet is surprisingly effortless to pull off on any weeknight.
What truly distinguishes this **Creamy Tuscan Chicken** recipe is its impeccable balance of tastes and textures. You get the concentrated sweetness and tang from the sun-dried tomatoes, the vibrant freshness of spinach, a subtle warmth from a hint of Dijon mustard, and the nutty, salty depth of Parmesan cheese. Every component comes together seamlessly in one skillet, streamlining your cooking and cleanup. This makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights when you crave something special, and it’s guaranteed to impress your guests with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients for the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Crafting this incredible creamy Tuscan chicken requires simple, wholesome ingredients that are bursting with flavor. With just a few pantry staples and fresh additions, you’ll create an unforgettable skillet meal that’s both satisfying and easy.
Here’s a closer look at the star components that make this dish shine:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – For the quickest cooking and maximum flavor absorption, we recommend slicing large chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner fillets. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains incredibly juicy, absorbing all the delicious seasonings and sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These are the flavor powerhouse of the dish. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated, tangy, and subtly sweet depth that is absolutely essential for our creamy sauce. Don’t discard the oil; it’s used for cooking and infusing even more Tuscan flavor.
- Heavy Cream – The secret to that irresistibly luxurious, silky texture that defines this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe. Heavy cream creates a rich and indulgent sauce that beautifully coats every element. For a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the sauce’s richness will be marginally reduced.
- Fresh Spinach – Adding a vibrant burst of color and a wealth of nutrients, fresh spinach wilts down perfectly into the hot sauce, becoming tender and complementing the other robust flavors without overpowering them.
- Parmesan Cheese – Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan. Its sharp, nutty flavor is superior to pre-shredded varieties and melts much more smoothly, contributing to the sauce’s perfect consistency and mouth-watering finish. It’s a crucial ingredient for thickening and enriching the cream sauce.
- Garlic & Dijon Mustard – Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic foundation, while a touch of Dijon mustard adds a subtle, savory tang that perfectly balances the richness of the cream and sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Seasonings – A blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder creates a flavorful crust on the chicken and enhances the overall profile of the dish.
Note: For a precise, comprehensive list of all ingredients and their measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card located at the bottom of this page.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make This Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creating this flavorful Creamy Tuscan Chicken is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time. We’ve included images to guide you through each stage, ensuring a delicious result.

- Prepare and Season Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear. Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder, ensuring an even and complete coating. This builds the foundational flavor of your dish.

- Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection: Heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken fillets into the hot pan. Sear for approximately 6–8 minutes per side, or until each piece is beautifully golden-brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If your skillet is not large enough, sear the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can steam rather than sear the chicken. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a warm plate and set aside.

- Cook Aromatic Garlic & Tomatoes: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil into the same skillet (no need to clean it; those flavorful bits are key!). Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant – be careful not to burn it. Then, stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing their concentrated flavors to release into the pan. Finally, stir in the Dijon mustard, mixing it thoroughly to incorporate its tangy notes.

- Simmer the Rich Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low-medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently as the sauce slowly comes to a tender simmer. Do not boil vigorously. Allow it to thicken slightly, then taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper to your preference. The goal is a beautifully smooth and well-balanced base.

- Incorporate Spinach & Parmesan: Add the fresh spinach leaves to the simmering sauce. Stir gently, allowing the spinach to wilt down into the creamy goodness. Once the spinach has softened, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for another minute or two, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

- Combine, Garnish & Serve: Carefully return the seared chicken fillets to the pan, nestling them into the creamy Tuscan sauce. Spoon the rich sauce generously over the top of each chicken piece, ensuring it’s beautifully coated. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments like pasta, fluffy rice, or steamed vegetables.
Perfect Pairings for Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a lighter, low-carb option. For a light and flavorful starter that perfectly complements the Tuscan ingredients, consider serving this creamy dish with our 10-Minute White Bean Soup with Parmesan. The subtle hints of Parmesan and spinach echo the main course.
If you’re aiming for a low-carb side that doesn’t compromise on flavor, try our Buttery Mashed Cauliflower. It’s wonderfully rich, garlicky, and absolutely perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce. Alternatively, serve it over Spaghetti Squash for a delightful, lighter alternative to traditional pasta, ensuring you still catch every bit of that creamy garlic-Parmesan goodness.
Other excellent serving ideas include:
- Pasta: Toss with fettuccine, penne, or linguine for a classic and satisfying meal.
- Rice: A simple bed of white or brown rice is excellent for soaking up the sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a warm, crusty loaf of bread to mop up any leftover sauce – it’s too good to waste!
- Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans: Simple, elegant vegetable sides that add freshness.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tuscan Chicken
While heavy cream provides the richest and most luxurious texture, you can substitute it with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version. Be aware that the sauce will be slightly less thick and less rich, but it will still be delicious. To help thicken lighter alternatives, you can whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water before adding to the sauce.
This creamy Tuscan chicken is best enjoyed fresh, as dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate or change texture when frozen and reheated. However, if you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
Absolutely! This dish is incredibly versatile. Sliced mushrooms are a fantastic addition and can be sautéed with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers (red or yellow for sweetness), or even a handful of chopped kale can also work wonderfully. Add heartier vegetables earlier with the garlic, and softer vegetables like bell peppers a bit later so they don’t become mushy.
Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts. They tend to stay even more moist and tender due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through (typically 8-10 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 175°F/80°C).
Store any leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You might need to add a tablespoon or two of milk, chicken broth, or extra cream to help loosen the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency, as it may thicken significantly in the fridge. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.


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Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Karina
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
4 people
Inspired by the famous Olive Garden Tuscan Garlic Chicken, this recipe features even more added flavors for an unforgettable home-cooked meal!
Ingredients
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1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts large, halved horizontally to make 4 fillets (approx. 2 large breasts, 12 oz or 350 grams each) -
1 teaspoon salt adjust to your tastes -
3/4 teaspoon cracked pepper adjust to your tastes -
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika -
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder -
3 tablespoons reserved sun-dried tomato oil or olive oil, divided
Sauce
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2 tablespoons garlic (approx. 6 cloves, minced) -
5 oz sun-dried tomato strips in oil (drained, reserving 3 tablespoons of the oil for cooking) -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard -
1 1/2 cups heavy cream or thickened cream (for a lower calorie/fat option, use evaporated milk) -
3 cups fresh spinach -
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated for best results -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder, ensuring an even coat.
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Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Transfer the cooked chicken to a warm plate and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes and fry for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors. Mix in the Dijon mustard until well combined.
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Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to low-medium. Pour in the heavy cream (or evaporated milk) and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to your taste.
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Add Greens & Cheese: Add the fresh spinach leaves to the simmering sauce and allow them to wilt. Once wilted, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for a further minute, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Combine & Serve: Return the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, then garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, mashed cauliflower, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes & Variations
- White Wine: For an extra layer of depth, add 1/2 cup of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) after sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Allow it to simmer and reduce by half before adding the heavy cream.
- Italian Seasoning: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning with the Parmesan cheese for an enhanced herbal flavor profile.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms (about 1 cup) can be added with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for an earthy touch.
- Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can introduce a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts
Carbohydrates: 15g |
Protein: 46g |
Fat: 56g |
Saturated Fat: 25g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 20g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 218mg |
Sodium: 1,132mg |
Potassium: 1,464mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 3g |
Vitamin A: 4,567IU |
Vitamin C: 49mg |
Calcium: 272mg |
Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. It may vary based on specific brands and ingredient preparation.