Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe (Easy One-Pan Dinner)

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This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a quick, one-pan dinner with sauteed chicken in a rich parmesan cream sauce, packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but still feels a little special, and it pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

A few years back, I went on a ladies’ retreat with our church, and the planners cooked Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. Flavorful, tender chicken breast with a delicious creamy sauce. It was so good that I immediately needed the recipe to add to our regular rotation. When I got home and made it for my family, it quickly became one of our favorite dishes for supper!

This Italian-inspired dish was served with pasta that weekend, but this Tuscan Chicken recipe with sundried tomatoes actually goes so well with rice or potatoes too, so I decided to let you choose how you want to serve it! I’m told the flavors are very similar to the Cheesecake Factory Tuscan chicken, so if you’re a fan of that dish, be sure to give this one a try!

Personally, I don’t live near any Cheesecake Factory restaurants, so I’ll have to settle for this homemade version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy Parmesan sauce packed with Tuscan flavors
• Quick and easy recipe – a go-to one-pot meal
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have
• A great recipe for feeding the whole family
• Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep
• Tastes like a restaurant-style chicken dish (hello, copycat recipes!)

Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs (for flipping chicken)
• Meat thermometer (to check for doneness)

Ingredients

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples that come together for a very flavorful dish.

Chicken

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt (you can use kosher salt) – breasts are best in this recipe but I have used boneless skinless thighs and they work great too!
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Olive oil

Tuscan Sauce

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Find the complete recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken

This Easy Tuscan Chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight, a special occasion, or anything in between!

1. Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden brown. Remove the seasoned chicken breasts to a plate (it does not need to be fully cooked yet – this is just for added color). Repeat with the remaining chicken.

3. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 20–30 seconds, just until fragrant.
5. Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, until wilted.
6. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer on low heat for 7–12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over rice or pasta with extra sauce.

What to Serve with Tuscan Chicken

This Tuscan Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over:

• Pasta (spoon that sauce right over the top of the pasta!)
• Rice or mashed potatoes
• Cooked farro for a hearty option
• Cauliflower rice for a low carb or lighter option
• Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash

Add a side of green beans or steamed asparagus spears for extra color and balance.

Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken

• If your chicken breasts are super thick or huge, I’d recommend pounding them down to about ¾ inch thick at most and then cutting them in half lengthwise or butterfly them.Don’t overcrowd the pan or you won’t get that golden sear
• Scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor
• Use freshly shredded parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce
• Keep heat low when simmering so the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce doesn’t separate
• This dish is best served the day it’s made for the creamiest texture

Variations & Substitutions

• Add cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes for a fresh pop of flavor
• Stir in artichoke hearts for a delicious twist
• Add fresh mushrooms for extra texture
• Use a splash of chicken broth if you want a thinner sauce
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version
• Try skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftover Creamy Chicken Tuscan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
• Cream-based sauce tends not to reheat or freeze very well. To reheat leftovers, heat the sauce on the stove over low heat. The lower the heat the more likely it won’t separate on you.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Best if eaten day it’s made though.

Rich, comforting, and full of flavor… this one’s definitely going into your regular rotation!

More Easy Dinner Ideas

• Jalapeno Chicken with Peaches
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
• The Best Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole
• Best Cornflake Chicken Recipe (Crispy & Baked)
• Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe (Cheap Meal Idea)
• The Best Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe