Creamy Tuscan Chicken
597 Comments
Updated Jul 11, 2024
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Win over dinner guests with this simple Tuscan chicken recipe! Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with Italian spices and seared until golden, then simmered in the most luxurious cream sauce filled with parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, onions and plenty of spinach.
What is Tuscan Chicken?
I’ll admit, I had to do a bit of research on where “Tuscan chicken” actually originated from. But it seems like there’s no one strict answer. My two cents is that it’s a spin on a classic Italian Florentine sauce, which is made from white wine, cream, and spinach. Then it was given a Tuscan twist by adding garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the warm cream and spinach base.
But what really popularized this dish (at least in America) was Olive Garden’s Tuscan Garlic Chicken, a dish with a similar flavor profile, served over fettuccine.
Either way, I’m glad this Tuscan chicken became a trend because it’s literally the best thing ever. Especially when you’re craving something rich and cheesy, with an Italian flair.
Tuscan Chicken Ingredients
There’s a few ways you can go about making the Tuscan sauce – with fresh cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes and with dairy or dairy-free. For this version, I’m using sun-dried tomatoes since it has a deeper, bolder flavor that just makes this dish pop. And going classic using dairy. But you tweak to your liking! Here’s the ingredients, plus a few substitution ideas:
- Chicken: This dish is typically made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. But you could also use chicken thighs as well if that’s more your thing.
- Italian Seasoning: You can usually find Italian seasoning at the market. If not, just use a mix of mix of individual spices such as oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary.
- Garlic and Onion: Lots of garlic is always welcome. And for onions, you can use white, yellow, or even shallots.
- Sun Dried Tomatoes: After trying several jars from different brands, I came across this jar of sun-dried tomatoes that tasted so fresh and delicious. Plus, it’s the perfect amount for this recipe!
- Spinach: Feel free to go heavy on the baby spinach (I really pack it in the measuring cup) since it wilts down to teeny bits as it cooks!
- Heavy Cream: While dairy-based heavy cream is traditionally used, you have dairy free options as well. You can use a can of coconut cream (not to be confused with coconut milk) or you can make cashew cream at home.
- Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is the way to go here. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast mimics a similar cheesy, nutty flavor.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to Make The Best Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Season and cook the chicken. Season both sides of each chicken breast in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then warm up a large skillet with some olive oil. Add the chicken, sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, and transfer the chicken to a plate. If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, you might need an additional minute.
Helpful tip: You can swap olive oil with the sun-dried tomato oil from the jar to give your chicken extra flavor!
Start the tuscan sauce. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil with the onion, and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, and saute for another minute, or until it smells incredibly delicious and fragrant.
Helpful tip: If you want to deglaze the pan a bit more, feel free to pour in a bit of white wine as you’re cooking the onions.
Add the spinach. Pile the spinach in the pan and saute for another minute, until it just starts to wilt down.
Finish the Tuscan sauce. Add the heavy cream and cheese, and stir everything together. Go ahead and let this simmer so all the flavors can meld together.
Tuck the chicken back into the skillet. Using tongs, add the chicken breasts back to the pan. Let the chicken cook for about 5 minutes on the stovetop, or until warmed through, then remove from heat. Just be aware that the sauce will also thicken as it cools!
Ways to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Make this a full, hearty meal by adding the chicken (and of course large spoonfuls of sauce) on top of rice, lentils, polenta, mashed potatoes, or mashed cauliflower. Any of these options will soak up the sauce beautifully!
Want a side salad? You can whip up this massaged kale salad really quickly, or continue the Mediterranean theme with my Mediterranean Chickpea salad.
Storage Tips
Not gonna lie, you’ll be hard-pressed to have leftovers of this recipe. Because if there’s a chicken breast left in the pan someone is going back for seconds! But here’s how you can store leftovers:
- To store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- To freeze: Freezing is also a smart idea if you want to enjoy this again in the near future. You can store leftovers (or a second batch) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Tuscan Chicken Recipe Video
Trust me, you’re going to want to see a visual of this recipe with how satisfying it looks on screen. I mean, that creamy drizzle is everything! Follow along with the video when you make it yourself! Click below to watch.
More Favorite Easy Chicken Recipes
If a pack of unused chicken is staring at you – here’s some easy dinner ideas I guarantee you’ll love. And if you need more inspiration, check out my roundups of the best chicken breast recipes or chicken thigh recipes.
- Chicken Piccata
- Butter Chicken
- Greek Sheet Pan Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken
- Chicken Stir-Fry
- White Chicken Chili
I can’t wait for you to make this Tuscan chicken. I guarantee you’ll have it on repeat when you need something super delicious and impressive. Once you cook this up, let me know your thoughts in a comment below!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Description
Video
Equipment
- Le Creuset Braiser My favorite cast iron enameled braiser pan!
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or a mix of individual spices such as oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary
- 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, *see note above for dairy-free options
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
- Prep the chicken. Season both sides of each chicken breast in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden. Remove the chicken from the pan to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the onions. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and the onion. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes, until the onion has softened.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic and saute another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the spinach, and saute another minute, until just starting to wilt.
- Add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stir together, and bring to a simmer.
- Let it simmer. Place the chicken back in the skillet and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Lisa’s Tips
- If you need some help choosing out a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, I’ve been loving this Alessi brand!
- For dairy-free folks swapping in nutritional yeast, I’d recommend 1 to 2 tablespoons.
- If you have extra large or super thick chicken breasts, you may need to sear them longer in step 2. You could also pound them evenly flat or butterfly each chicken breast for a faster cook time.
- For those who asked about my black-rimmed dinner plates, they don’t make the exact one anymore, but these dinner plates are very similar!
Nutrition
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My husband’s favorite!! He’s always begging me to make this dish for him. (Of course, I love it too!) It’s fun to make and SO DELISH!!
I’m so glad you two are loving this Tuscan chicken, Patti!
I usually through in some mushrooms and sub Tuscan Kale too. Yummy. I have also added potatoes to this dish which works well if you don’t want pasta or rice
My family LOVES this recipe and everyone that I have served it has asked for the recipe! It’s beyond easy to make and I too served it with Angel Hair pasta for my gluten loving friends :)
Yay, so happy to hear that! Enjoy!
This dish was not only easy to make but was very delicious! My husband gave it 2 thumbs up and said it definitely needs to be on repeat!!! I served it with a side of angel hair garlic pasta.
I’m glad you both enjoyed it!
Super easy and super delish! I served it over cauliflower rice, yum! This is a definite meal to repeat.
Hi Kathy – I’m so glad you love this Tuscan chicken!
Fabulous and easy – Made for a dinner party. A big hit. Thank you
Hi Fiona – Happy to hear this was a dinner party hit!
The tuscan chicken was absolutely delicious, quick and easy to make, my guests were looking for second helpings. Thanks Lisa.
Hi David – Happy to hear this Tuscan chicken was a success!
Hello! Love, love, love your website and recipes! Thank you!
Question: Do you. think almond milk would work in your Tuscan chicken recipe?
Thanks,
Deborah
Hi Deborah – I’d stick with some sort of cream, such as cashew cream or coconut cream. Otherwise the sauce won’t be thick enough.
I love this chicken dish!! It’s very yummy
Hi Lori – I’m so glad you love this Tuscan chicken!
Wonderful
Absolutely delicious ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
Thank you 🌸🌺
Family favorite! I made it with the cashew cream! It was my first time making this and was AMAZING on the first try! Thank you for making it easy to follow and make!
Hi Wendy – I’m so glad you enjoyed this creamy Tuscan chicken!
My family loved this dish. It is one we definitely will make again! We loved it so much I went out and purchased her cook book.
Hi Sara – I’m so glad the whole family enjoyed this Tuscan chicken! I hope you enjoy your new book as well :)
My whole family loved this! I will make it again. It was one of the best dishes I have ever made. I added mushrooms to it. I am looking forward to trying your other dishes.
So happy you and your family loved it, Veronica!
Last night, I cooked Creamy Tuscan Chicken for my family, and it was a hit! The recipe was straightforward and well-explained at each step, making it easy to follow. A particularly useful tip was to use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, which added an extra layer of flavour to the dish. Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic recipe with us!
Hi Silvia – I’m so glad your family love this Tuscan chicken!
Delicious! I love that it all in all it took me 20 minutes while baby wearing and I now have lunch for the week! I only had a cup of heavy cream so I added 1/2c of Greek yogurt- so good and added protein!
Hi there – Thrilled to hear you found this dish easy and delicious!
As someone who has lived for a long time and Italy this recipe ticks all the boxes! It’s a keeper in regular rotation in my house!
I really enjoyed this dish. I paired it with pasta and it was delicious.
Hi Mary – I’m glad this dish worked out great with pasta noodles!
What pan are you using or recommend?
Hi Lisa! I just linked the Le Creuset braiser pan I’m using in the recipe card under “equipment”. I hope that helps!
can I add mushrooms to this recipe?
Of course!
This dish has now become our Wednesday night fav. I served mine with roasted vegetables and steamed string beans. Winner, winner chicken dinner. Thank you all the way from Brisbane Australia.
Hi Heeni – Thrilled to hear this has become a staple!
I decided to do a week of downshiftology recipes for dinner this week, last night was tuscan chicken. I followed the recipe, except for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, they’re more forgiving if overcooked. Everyone enjoyed the recipe, my picky 16 year old even said the chicken was good, thats a hit!! I served it with Lisa’s mashed potatoes and the mediterranean salad you get from costco. Thanks!
Hi there – I love the week of Downshiftology concept! Happy to hear this Tuscan chicken was a hit.
Made this on the fly and it turned out really well, actually! Was happy with it and would definitely make it again. Did make it using the coconut cream, which was great, and added an extra cup of chicken broth with corn startch in as I was putting it over some GF noodles. The sun dried tomatoes (and oil) were a really nice texture. Also added some red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
Wonderful, rich flavored recipe that I’ll definitely be making again!
Hi Carol – Oh yay! Happy to hear you enjoyed this Tuscan chicken.
Hi Lisa, yummy recipe, very flavorful! In your video, what did you serve on the side? Thanks!
Hi Peggy – I served this with black lentils!
Thanks for the ideas! Everyone including Dad gave it 5 stars. Really appreciate the time you put into creating these healthy and yummy recipes. They are a weekly inspiration I look forward to recreating in my kitchen!
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed this creamy Tuscan chicken!
Thankyou Lisa for this delicious recipe.
I sliced two chicken breasts lengthways to make 4 thin pieces.
I used dried oregano as thats what i had.
I used a small container of store bought sun dried tomatoes and a small container of roasted capsicums that were marinated in herbs and oil from the deli section.
I used a 250ml bottle of zymals thickened cream and a splash of beef stock for extra liquid.
I served with cheese rice. Delicious.
Thankyou xx
Hi Caterina – Thanks for sharing and leaving a review! I’m glad this Tuscan chicken turned out beautifully.
Can boneless thighs be substituted for breasts. Thx
Hi Meg – That should be fine!
Yes, and it’s absolutely amazing.
Made it tonight for Sunday dinner . Very easy to make yet looks like a very refined dish . Absolutely delicious . Loved it .
Hi Cora – Wonderful! I’m glad this Tuscan chicken was a hit for Sunday dinner.
Delicious but was wondering,if I run out of the sun dried tomatoes,could I use cherry tomatoes?
This dish was 🔥🔥🔥 I love fresh meals but don’t like cooking. So knowing what I need to prepare first in the pan makes trying new things pleasant. This would be an easy dish to replicate without a recipe next time. Yum!!!
Hi Melissa – I’m so thrilled you loved this Tuscan chicken!
I just found your website and I am loving it! I am not confident in the kitchen despite being 48 with a husband and 2 growing boys! The way you present your recipes makes it so easy and fun to follow. Thank you. Made this last night and my husband said one of the best meals I’ve ever made.
Hi Terri – I hope these recipes make you feel confident again in the kitchen!
Oh, this was delicious! I was told to go gluten free by my dr…and this is the first recipe I tried. Thank you! :-)
Hi Kelly – I’m glad you first gluten-free recipe was a hit :)
Lisa, your recipes are all laid out in an easy-to-follow format, with clear instructions. But what keeps me returning to your site for recipes is the healthy (I was recently diagnosed with MS so healthy is non-negotiable) and oh-so-scrumptious dishes. The variety of ingredient options for different diets are fantastic.
Whenever I need quick, easy but delicious and healthy new meal ideas, your website is always my first choice. Thank you so much and keep up the great work!
Aw, thanks so much, Mia! I’m really happy to hear you love my recipes. Thank you for coming back time and again to make them, that means so much! :)
Made this for guests, replaced heavy cream with lighter cream, some half & half and cut back a little on the onion. The liquid only separated a little, barely noticeable. Flavor was intense, amazing, much better than expected, guests loved it with the focaccia bread to soak up the cream. Will make again, was extremely easy in my dutch oven.
So happy you and your guests loved it!
On every monthly meal plan!
Hi Adriana – Happy to hear this has made it to your monthly meal plan!
SO SO GOOD! Simple and fast.
Wow! I made this last night, sans tomato and it turned out beautifully.
We cook for hubby’s 94 yo mother most every night and she loved this dish, as did we.
Thank you for sharing this amazing dish.
You’re more than welcome! I’m glad you all enjoyed it. :)
This is one of my favorite comfort food recipes. So easy to make and turns out great every time! I’d like to make if for guests , would it work to make ahead of time and reheat? I wouldn’t want it to be overdone.
Easy and delish!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This recipe is a family favorite. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. I love the sun-dried tomatoes but my kids get picky with them, so I just cut them in small pieces and they don’t complain. I serve it with rice or pasta and it’s always a winner! Thanks, Lisa! :)
It sounds like you’ve got a perfect approach to the recipe, Ivy! Sometimes a little sneakiness is warranted. ;)
Thankyou Lisa for this delicious recipe.
I sliced two chicken breasts lengthways to make 4 thin pieces.
I used dried oregano as thats what i had.
I used a small container of store bought sun dried tomatoes and a small container of roasted capsicums that were marinated in herbs and oil from the deli section.
I used a 250ml bottle of zymals thickened cream and a splash of beef stock for extra liquid.
I served with cheese rice. Delicious.
Thankyou xx
Hi Caterina – Wonderful! I’m glad you’re loving this Tuscan chicken.
I love this recipe. The only thing I do differently is cut chicken into nice bite-sized pieces and saute/brown. Remove and follow the rest of the steps, adding chicken back right before serving. Serve over fettuccine and no need for a knife to cut chicken in order to eat!
Hi Debi – I love the idea of slicing the chicken into pieces!
I was initially intimidated to make this because it looked soo decadent. It was actually simple and tasted amazing with some roasted vegetables. Fortunately, I made it just for me, so I have leftovers and can’t wait to indulge again. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Mikal – Happy to hear you loved this Tuscan chicken!
Made this for an in-house date night and it was perfect! Extra brownie points for me!!!!!
Hi Ebony – Glad this recipe worked out great for a dinner date at home!
This looks SO good! I’m making it tomorrow night! Does it make enough of the sauce to serve over pasta for 4 adults?
Hi Jess – You may want to add a bit more sauce to serve over pasta!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is such a hit with my family. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Coby – I’m so glad this recipe was a hit with your family!
Amazingly simple, yet elegant enough for a fancy dinner. Absolutely delicious.
Hi Marie – Happy to hear you love this Tuscan chicken.
Absolutely delicious! My husband took leftovers to work and they all wanted recipe! My “I don’t eat leftovers” son also, finished it off! Thank you! This is a new staple in my house!
Hi Anne – Happy to hear this recipe has become a new staple!
So delicious and easy. I’m lovin’ it! Thank you!
Hi Donna – Happy to hear you love this recipe!
I love your Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe. This is the first time I have tried to make any of your recipes. It was super easy to make and taste delicious. I now have added this to my weekly meal prep plan. I can’t week until next week to try your Classic Beef Stew recipe.
Thank you
Thanks so much, Peggy! Hope you enjoy many of my other recipes as well. :)
I used boneless skinless chicken thighs and it was delicious.
Happy you enjoyed it!
I made this dish for the first time tonight, for my family. I have been looking high and low for new, easy recipes; we stay busy most days, so rarely want to spend hours in the kitchen cooking. I found this recipe and I knew it was perfect! My husband said it’s so much better than any restaurant would have served! It was a huge success, and so easy to prepare! My next new dish to make will be the chicken Marsala, and better believe this page is where I’ll get the recipe! Thanks for sharing!!!
Hi Jami – Happy to hear this dish turned out to be a success! How funny, chicken marsala has been on my list, so stay tuned :)
Put on top of rice & steamed broccoli! Delish!!
Hi Mel – Happy to hear you enjoyed this Tuscan chicken dish!
Used this recipe as inspiration for cleaning out my fridge and freezer. I had Italian flavored brats and frozen spinach (thawed and drained). Cooked in a high-side skillet and added a box of farro at the end to make it a bit heartier and soak up the sauce. Otherwise followed the recipe and it was delicious! Thanks for the inspo!
Happy to hear this Tuscan chicken dinner was a success!