The Ultimate Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Introduction

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a modern classic, capturing the vibrant essence of Italian cuisine in a single, comforting skillet. This dish elevates simple chicken breasts by smothering them in a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Originating from the popularization of ‘Marry Me Chicken’ and other creamy skillet meals, the Tuscan variation provides a punch of savory, slightly sweet flavor thanks to the tomatoes. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that is surprisingly quick to prepare, making it the perfect indulgence for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 600 g / 1.3 lbs), sliced horizontally into thinner cutlets
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15 g)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed and drained (approx. 75 g)
1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (approx. 50 g)
1 cup fresh spinach, packed (about 60 g)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Step-by-step Preparation

Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into even cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the chicken cutlets (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom. Sauté for about 30–60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Tip: Do not let the garlic burn, or the sauce will taste bitter.
Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and the optional red pepper flakes. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened slightly (about 2 minutes).
Finish and Serve: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts completely, which takes about 1 minute. Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet and nestle them into the creamy sauce. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and coated in the sauce. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Due to the heavy cream and cheese, this dish is rich in healthy fats and protein. Each serving is estimated to contain between 480–550 calories, 40–45g of protein, and is an excellent source of Vitamin K and Iron (from the spinach). This dish is naturally low-carb and gluten-free.

Storage

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, it is best to use a stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has become too thick. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as this can cause the cream sauce to separate or become grainy.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the definition of comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. For serving, pair it with simple sides that can soak up the luxurious sauce, such as fettuccine pasta, creamy polenta, or crusty Italian bread. For a lighter meal, serve it over zucchini noodles or alongside a fresh green salad. You can easily modify this dish by substituting the chicken with shrimp or pork chops, or by adding mushrooms for extra depth.