Creamy Tuscan chicken in garlic parmesan sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a skillet

Creamy Tuscan Chicken: A Restaurant-Style Dinner Under $6

tastyfoodRecipe Author

🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is secretly really easy. It’s tender chicken simmered in a garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach — all made in a single skillet. This dish tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, but you can make it at home in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for date night, family dinner, or just spoiling yourself, this creamy garlic chicken delivers every time.

🧂1½ tsp salt
🐔2–3 boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb)
🌿1 tsp Italian seasoning
🧄4 cloves garlic, minced
🧈2 tbsp olive oil or butter
🍅½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
🥬1 cup fresh spinach (or ½ cup frozen)
🧄1½ cups heavy cream
🧀⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🧂Salt & pepper to taste
🍋Optional: Squeeze of lemon juice

🍳 Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Sear the Chicken

  1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
  2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  5. Remove and set aside.

🥄 Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

  1. In the same pan, lower heat to medium.
  2. Add a bit more oil/butter if needed, then sauté garlic for 1 minute.
  3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.

🌿 Step 3: Finish the Dish

  1. Add spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted.
  2. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
  3. Simmer everything for 2–3 more minutes.
  4. Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

🥗 What to Serve with Tuscan Chicken

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Garlic bread or dinner rolls
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Light green salad with vinaigrette
  • Over pasta or rice for a heartier meal

💡 Tips for Success

  • Pound the chicken lightly to even thickness — it’ll cook faster and more evenly.
  • ✅ Use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped.
  • ✅ Don’t boil the cream — just simmer gently so it doesn’t split.
  • ✅ Add mushrooms or artichokes for extra flair.

❓ FAQ: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Make the sauce and chicken separately, then combine and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: You can, but it won’t be as rich. Add a teaspoon of flour to help thicken the sauce.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Absolutely. Boneless thighs work beautifully and stay juicy.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes — as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or veggies.

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