Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (thinly sliced); 2 cups baby spinach; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe is that magical dinner dish that wraps you in cozy flavors while still feeling elegant. The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan makes every bite a little celebration—trust me, it’s worth making on any night you want something special yet simple.

The image shows a white pan with four cooked chicken breasts in a creamy orange sauce. The sauce contains dark green spinach leaves and dark red sun-dried tomatoes spread evenly over the chicken and sauce. The chicken breasts have some black pepper seasoning visible on top. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth partially visible underneath the pan handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this is one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together quicker than you’d expect. I’m always amazed when the simple pantry staples transform into such a silky, flavorful sauce.

Fast but impressive: You’ll get restaurant-quality creaminess without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor-packed: Sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan give it a deep, cheesy tang that pairs perfectly with tender chicken.
Easy to customize: Whether you’re adding mushrooms or swapping cream for a dairy-free option, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Perfect for weeknights or guests: It’s comforting enough for family dinners, yet special enough for company.

The image shows four light golden pieces of cooked chicken in a white pan, covered with a creamy orange sauce. The sauce has dark green leafy spinach and red sun-dried tomato strips mixed throughout. The chicken pieces have small black pepper specks on them, and the sauce looks thick and smooth, coating the chicken and vegetables evenly. The pan sits on a grey cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here pulls its weight, blending rich creaminess with bright, savory notes. I always suggest hunting for good-quality sun-dried tomatoes—they’re the secret to that slightly sweet, tangy pop in the sauce.

Flat lay of four boneless skinless chicken breasts with natural pink tones, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil with a golden sheen, a few whole garlic cloves still in their papery skins, a small pile of finely chopped yellow onion pieces, thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes with deep red hues, a handful of fresh vibrant baby spinach leaves, a small white bowl filled with creamy heavy cream, a small mound of freshly grated parmesan cheese with fine texture, a sprinkle of coarse Italian seasoning herbs, kosher salt crystals, and a few whole black peppercorns scattered neatly, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook evenly and soak up the sauce perfectly without losing their tenderness.
Italian seasoning: A simple blend of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary that brings classic Mediterranean flavors without fuss.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the creaminess.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps sear the chicken beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic always amps up the aroma and flavor, making the sauce irresistible.
Yellow onion: Provides a mild sweetness that softens and blends into the creamy sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: They pack concentrated tomato flavor and a hint of chewiness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a gentle earthiness, plus it wilts quickly.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and velvety—if you want a dairy-free twist, coconut cream is a great swap.
Parmesan cheese: Gives that cheesy depth and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things to do is switch up the greens or stir in some extras to make it my own. Don’t be shy to tweak this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe to suit what you have on hand or your mood.

Variation: I sometimes add sliced mushrooms and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat—it gives a lovely earthiness and depth.
Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly twist.
Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the cheese a bit to lighten the sauce without losing flavor.
Herbal twists: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top just before serving brightens up the dish wonderfully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

I start by seasoning the chicken well on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then I heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The key here is not to rush—sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. This locks in the juices and gives a beautiful crust. Once done, set the chicken aside; don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through, it will finish cooking later.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Next, add the last tablespoon of oil to the skillet and toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it's soft and translucent—this base is what makes the sauce so irresistible. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking it all together for about another minute until fragrant. Watch closely so the garlic doesn’t burn!

Step 3: Add Greens and Cream

Now, fold in the baby spinach and let it wilt for just a minute—it should still be vibrant green, not soggy. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top. Stir everything gently to combine, then bring it to a soft simmer. This is when the sauce really starts thickening and coming together.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Cover loosely and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and perfectly tender. The sauce should cling to the chicken beautifully by now—almost like a cozy Italian hug.

Top Tip

I’ve made this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe countless times, and a few tricks have really helped me get it just right. These will save you time and frustration and ensure your sauce is smooth and rich every time.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Searing the chicken in batches if needed ensures a golden crust instead of steamed pieces.
Use fresh garlic: It makes a huge difference to the fragrance, but add it after the onions soften to avoid burning.
Simmer gently: Keep the heat low when adding cream to avoid curdling and keep the texture silky.
Let the sauce reduce slightly: This deepens the flavor and thickens it enough to coat the chicken nicely.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For finishing touches, I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. It adds a bright, fresh note right before digging in. Sometimes, a little extra parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil seals the deal.

Side Dishes

This creamy Tuscan chicken recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce. I also serve it with garlic mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or simple buttered pasta for a truly comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes serve the chicken over a bed of lemon-herb risotto, garnished with roasted cherry tomatoes and microgreens. It instantly feels upscale but is super easy to assemble while the chicken simmers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so I prefer to gently loosen it with a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

Freezing

This creamy Tuscan chicken recipe freezes well if you want to make extras. I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly—they generally take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.

What’s the best way to avoid a curdled sauce?

Make sure to simmer the sauce gently over low to medium heat and add the cream gradually. High heat and rapid boiling can cause the cream to separate, so patience is key here.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.

How long does this dish take from start to finish?

This creamy Tuscan chicken recipe takes about 35 minutes total—15 minutes prep time and 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.

Final Thoughts

This creamy Tuscan chicken recipe has become my go-to whenever I want something comforting but still a little special. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparks compliments, and leaves you feeling happily full. I know you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—it's a true kitchen win!