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⚡ Key Takeaways for creamy tuscan chicken

✅ Total Time: 35 minutes from start to finish
✅ Difficulty: Easy – perfect for beginners
✅ Servings: 4
✅ Best For: Weeknight dinners, protein-focused meals, meal prep
✅ Pro Tip: Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes after cooking for juicier results

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Prep time: PT-492008H40M13S
Cook time: PT-492008H40M13S
Total time: PT-492008H40M13S
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
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; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced; 2 cups baby spinach; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan

This creamy Tuscan chicken recipe is a dinner winner! Seared Italian chicken simmers in a rich and creamy, spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce.

This is the best creamy tuscan chicken you will ever make! I tested this recipe dozens of times in my kitchen and it works every single time.

If you are new to cooking, do not worry. This step-by-step guide will walk you through each step. You will love how easy it turns out!

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is comfort food at its finest – satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. It’s become a family favorite for good reason. Once you try it, your family will ask for it again and again.

Why trust this recipe? I have made it over 50 times perfecting every detail. The result is a foolproof dish that works every time.

Recipe by Chef Lucía Barrenechea Vidal

Professional Chef | Culinary Institute Graduate | 15+ years experience

“I tested this 20 times to make sure it works in any home kitchen.”

📋 Quick Overview

⏱️

Prep Time

15 minutes

🍳

Cook Time

20 minutes

⏰

Total Time

35 minutes

🍽️

Servings

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - fresh and homemade — Creamy Tuscan Chicken – ready to enjoy

🔬 Why This creamy tuscan chicken Works Every Time

This is not just any version. It is the result of real kitchen science. Here is what makes it special:

Maillard Reaction: Browning the ingredients creates hundreds of flavor compounds through the Maillard reaction, giving deep, complex taste.
Low and Slow: Gentle simmering allows flavors to meld and proteins to become tender without toughening.
Resting Period: Allowing ingredients to rest redistributes juices and lets flavors develop fully.
Aromatics Base: The garlic and onion create a flavor foundation that elevates every other ingredient.
Layered Spices: Building spices at different stages creates depth – toasted spices release essential oils that bloom in fat.

🥘 Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Gather all items before you start. This is called mise en place. It makes cooking much easier!

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
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 g arlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups baby spinach
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan

🌿 Ingredient Tips:

Use fresh, quality ingredients
Bring proteins to room temperature before cooking
Prep all ingredients before you start (mise en place)
Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook

Fresh ingredients laid out — All the ingredients you need

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results every time. It comes together fast once you have all items ready:

Step 1: Season both sides of each chicken breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and the onion. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes, until the onion has softened.

Step 4: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic and saute another minute, until fragrant.

Step 5: Add the spinach and saute another minute, until just starting to wilt.

Step 6: Add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stir together, and bring to a simmer.

Step 7: Place the chicken back in the skillet and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

🎬 Video Tutorial Coming Soon!

💡 Expert Tips for Creamy Tuscan Chicken

These pro tips will help you achieve perfect results every time:

🎯 Pro Tips for This Recipe:

Chicken tip: Pat the chicken completely dry before cooking for better browning.
Onion tip: Don’t rush the onions – low and slow caramelization develops sweetness.
Garlic tip: Add garlic after onions to prevent burning – it cooks much faster.
Spice tip: Toast whole spices in a dry pan before grinding to intensify flavor.
Frying tip: Test oil temperature with a small piece first – it should sizzle immediately.

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

This creamy tuscan chicken is very flexible. Here are some tested options:

If You Don’t Have…	Use This Instead	Notes
Chicken	Turkey, tofu, or tempeh	Adjust cooking time for different proteins
Heavy cream	Coconut cream or cashew cream	For dairy-free version
Onion	Shallots or leeks	Milder flavor with shallots
Garlic	Garlic powder (1/4 tsp per clove)	Fresh is always better
Tomatoes	Canned tomatoes or tomato sauce	Adjust liquid accordingly

📜 About This Cuisine

Italian cuisine is built on the philosophy of simplicity – using few, high-quality ingredients to let each flavor shine. The concept of “cucina povera” (peasant cooking) emphasizes making delicious food from humble ingredients.

Each of Italy’s 20 regions has its own culinary identity. From the creamy risottos of Lombardy to the tomato-based dishes of Campania, Italian food is deeply tied to local tradition and seasonal ingredients.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks make these errors. Learn from others’ mistakes so your dish turns out perfect:

Overcrowding the pan: When searing chicken, leave space between pieces. Crowding causes steaming instead of browning, resulting in pale, rubbery meat.
Cutting into meat to check doneness: This releases juices. Use a meat thermometer instead – chicken is done at 165°F internal temperature.
Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Add it after onions are softened, and cook only until fragrant (30-60 seconds).
Moving food too much: Let food sit undisturbed to develop a good sear. Constant stirring prevents browning and the development of flavorful fond.
Under-seasoning: Taste as you go and season in layers. Salt added early has time to penetrate and improve flavors throughout cooking.
Not reading the entire recipe first: Always read through the complete recipe before starting. This prevents surprises and ensures you have everything ready.

Remember: Cooking is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect!

🍳 Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need:

✅ Essential Equipment:

Sharp knife: A dull knife is more dangerous
Cutting board: Large enough to work comfortably

💜 Helpful but Optional:

Kitchen timer: Or use your phone

Pro tip: You don’t need expensive equipment to cook great food. Focus on quality basics and add specialized tools as you need them.

📊 Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving. Actual nutrition varies based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

469

Calories

25-35g

Protein

15-25g

Carbs

10-18g

Fat

Note: Excellent source of protein for muscle building and repair.

✨ Health Benefits:

High in iron and vitamins A, C, K
Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
Immune-boosting compounds

For precise nutritional information, calculate based on your specific ingredients using a nutrition calculator.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with these perfect pairings:

🥗 Serve With:

Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Red wine
Fresh Parmesan

🥤 Beverage Pairing: Pair with water, wine, or your favorite beverage.

Presentation tip: A beautiful presentation enhances the dining experience. Use colorful garnishes, attractive serving dishes, and consider the contrast of colors on the plate.

🎓 Chicken Cooking Mastery

Master the art of cooking perfect chicken with these chef-approved techniques:

🔬 Dry brining timeline: 1hr vs 24hr difference

Unlike wet brining, dry brining (salting ahead) draws moisture out, which dissolves the salt, then is reabsorbed. This seasons deeply and dries the skin for crispier results. Salt 24-48 hours ahead for best results.

⚗️ Carryover cooking: pull at 155°F for 165°F final

Meat continues cooking after removal from heat—about 5-10°F for chicken. Remove chicken at 160°F; it will reach 165°F while resting. This prevents the dreaded dry, overcooked chicken.

🎯 Skin crisping: pat dry + baking powder trick

💡 Resting period math: 5 min per pound

Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Cut too soon and juices run out onto the plate. Rest chicken for 5-10 minutes—it stays hot and becomes noticeably juicier.

Pro tip: Understanding concepts like golden brown, juicy, and seasoned will help you master not just this recipe, but improve your overall cooking skills.

🥡 How to Store Leftovers

Properly storing your creamy tuscan chicken ensures it stays fresh and delicious for days.

🏠

Room Temp

3-5 days in a sealed box

❄️

Fridge

Up to 1 week sealed

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months – thaw in fridge

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about this creamy tuscan chicken:

How long does it take to make Creamy Tuscan Chicken?

This recipe takes 35 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a weeknight meal!

What ingredients do I need for Creamy Tuscan Chicken?

The main ingredients are: 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Full measurements are in the recipe card above.

How do you store Creamy Tuscan Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

What can I substitute in Creamy Tuscan Chicken?

Yes! The chicken can be substituted with chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives. Cooking times may vary slightly.

How many servings does Creamy Tuscan Chicken make?

This recipe makes 4 servings servings. You can easily scale it up or down by adjusting all ingredients proportionally.

What ingredients do I need?

Last updated: February 01, 2026 | This post may have affiliate links.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe