One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken

There’s nothing quite like a rich and creamy dish that feels indulgent yet is simple to make. This One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken is packed with bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, all simmered together in a luscious, velvety sauce. It’s the perfect combination of elegance and ease, making it an ideal meal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything is cooked in one pan, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully while keeping cleanup to a minimum. The chicken is seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a creamy sauce that’s infused with Italian herbs and just the right amount of heat from red pepper flakes. The result? A dish that tastes like it came straight from a cozy trattoria in Tuscany.

Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or a low-carb option like zucchini noodles, this dish is versatile and sure to impress. The tender chicken absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, while the spinach adds a fresh and vibrant touch. One bite, and you’ll see why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon butter

How to Make It

1. Sear the Chicken

• Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets, ensuring even cooking.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to help them brown better.
• Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring even coverage.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Place the chicken in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust.
• Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes until both sides are beautifully seared and the chicken is nearly cooked through.
• Remove from the pan and set aside, tenting loosely with foil to keep warm.

2. Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

• In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to release their flavors and soften slightly (about 1 minute).
• Pour in chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
• Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

3. Add the Spinach & Chicken

• Toss in baby spinach, stirring gently until it wilts into the sauce.
• Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
• Spoon some sauce over each piece of chicken, ensuring they soak up the flavors.
• Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken to a velvety consistency.
• Check for doneness by ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

4. Serve & Enjoy

• Transfer the chicken to plates or a serving platter.
• Spoon extra sauce over the top for added creaminess.
• Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or zucchini noodles.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired for a fresh finishing touch.

Tips & Tricks

✅ For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
✅ Want it thicker? Add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
✅ Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
✅ Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days—just reheat gently to maintain creaminess.

Variations

• Protein swap: Try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
• Vegetarian version: Use mushrooms or chickpeas in place of chicken.
• Spicy kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
• Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ One pan = easy cleanup
✔️ Rich, creamy, and comforting
✔️ Packed with Tuscan-inspired flavors
✔️ Great for weeknights OR impressing guests
✔️ Super customizable

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