Best Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

🍗 Best Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

A rich, flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines seared chicken breasts with a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and wilted spinach. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience with simple ingredients in under 40 minutes.

🕒 Total Time: 35 minutes

Prep: 10 min • Cook: 25 min • Yield: Serves 4

🧄 Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
• 1½ cups fresh spinach
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or basil

🔥 Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

• Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked (165°F/74°C).
• Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
• Add butter and garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until sauce slightly thickens.

3. Add Spinach & Tomatoes

• Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the sauce.
• Cook for 2 minutes, until spinach wilts.

4. Finish the Dish

• Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it.
• Simmer everything together for 2–3 more minutes to blend flavors.

5. Serve

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
• Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.

🍷 Optional Enhancements

• Deglaze with white wine (¼ cup) after garlic step for added depth.
• Thicken sauce with a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
• Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives.

🧊 Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Best frozen without spinach. Add fresh spinach after reheating.
• Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to maintain sauce texture.

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.

What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Oil-packed tomatoes offer the best texture and flavor.

Can I prep it ahead?
Yes. Make sauce and chicken separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

Best wine pairing?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the richness.