Ever crave a luxurious Italian-inspired meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than Creamy Tuscan Chicken – a dish that effortlessly balances rich flavors, vibrant veggies, and juicy protein in one indulgent skillet. This Tuscan Chicken recipe has surged in popularity for good reason: it’s quick, adaptable, and delivers gourmet flair perfect for date nights or busy family dinners. With sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a velvety Parmesan sauce, it’s comfort food that feels effortlessly elegant.

Ingredients & Kitchen Tools

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for richer flavor)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream (substitute coconut cream for dairy-free)
– ½ cup chicken broth
– ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed for best flavor)
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt & pepper to taste
– Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for heat

Optional Add-Ins:
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– Artichoke hearts
– Crispy bacon bits

Tools:
– Large skillet (cast-iron preferred)
– Tongs
– Measuring cups/spoons

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Prep & Cook Time

– Prep: 10 minutes
– Cook: 20 minutes
– Total: 30 minutes
– Servings: 4

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season & Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits (this adds depth!). Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
4. Add Greens & Chicken: Fold in spinach until wilted. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it. Simmer 5 minutes for the Creamy Tuscan Chicken to absorb flavors.
5. Finish & Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Pair with pasta, crusty bread, or zucchini noodles.

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Nutritional Benefits / Advantages

This Tuscan Chicken packs protein (35g per serving), calcium from Parmesan, and iron-rich spinach. Unlike takeout, you control sodium and fats. Sun-dried tomatoes add lycopene (an antioxidant), while olive oil offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats!

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Tips, Variations, or Substitutions

– Lighten It Up: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
– Seasonal Twist: Use kale in winter; add fresh basil in summer.
– Gluten-Free: Serve over quinoa or GF pasta.
– Small Kitchen Hack: Prep ingredients before cooking (mise en place) to avoid chaos.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Overcooking Chicken: Use a meat thermometer (165°F internal temp).
– Crowding the Pan: Sear chicken in batches for even browning.
– Skipping the Deglaze: Those browned bits = flavor gold!

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Storage / Maintenance Tips

– Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving—it can overcook the chicken.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe proves that bold, comforting flavors don’t require hours of effort. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, the marriage of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and rich sauce makes this Tuscan Chicken a timeless favorite. Give it a try tonight—your taste buds will thank you!

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Prep the sauce and sear chicken in advance. Combine and reheat before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Use roasted red peppers or tomato paste for a similar tangy depth.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Freeze without spinach (add fresh when reheating). Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes—thaw and squeeze out excess water first.

Q: Slow cooker version?
A: Sear chicken, then cook on low for 4 hours with all ingredients except cream/spinach. Stir those in last 15 minutes.