Save This one-pot Tuscan chicken dish transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that's become my weeknight salvation. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and wilted spinach swimming in a silky Parmesan cream sauce creates a symphony of flavors that feels indulgent yet comes together with minimal effort.
This recipe saved me during a particularly hectic month when I needed impressive but effortless dinners. My mother-in-law requested the recipe after I served it during her visit, which is the ultimate cooking compliment in my household.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts Choose evenly sized pieces around 6 ounces each for consistent cooking
- Salt and black pepper The foundation of flavor that enhances the natural taste of chicken
- Italian seasoning A time-saving blend that provides herbal complexity with one spoonful
- Olive oil Use a good quality extra virgin for better flavor when searing the chicken
- Garlic Fresh cloves provide aromatic foundation for the sauce
- Sun-dried tomatoes These concentrated flavor bombs add sweet tanginess and beautiful color
- Chicken broth Creates depth in the sauce while helping deglaze all the flavorful browned bits
- Heavy cream Provides luxurious richness and helps create the silky sauce texture
- Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for best melting and authentic flavor
- Fresh baby spinach Adds color, nutrition and slightly earthy balance to the rich sauce
- Unsalted butter Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce finish
- Fresh basil The bright, aromatic garnish that elevates the entire dish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken
- Pat those chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels first this helps achieve a better sear. Season generously on both sides with the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, pressing the seasonings in to adhere well.
- Create the Perfect Sear
- Heat your pan until the oil is shimmering but not smoking. Place the chicken in without overcrowding and resist the urge to move it for at least 5 minutes. That golden crust adds tremendous flavor and texture.
- Build the Flavor Base
- After removing the chicken, immediately add butter and garlic to the hot pan. Cook just until fragrant about 30 seconds as garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. The residual heat from the pan is enough to release its aromatic oils.
- Develop the Sauce
- Add those jewel-like sun-dried tomatoes before introducing liquids. This allows their concentrated flavors to bloom in the fat. When adding broth, use a wooden spoon to scrape up every browned bit from the pan bottom those caramelized bits contain incredible flavor.
- Create Creaminess
- Pour in the heavy cream and add Parmesan in a steady stream while whisking constantly to prevent clumping. Let the sauce gently bubble not boil until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate the Spinach
- Add all the spinach at once it will look like too much but quickly wilts down to the perfect amount. Stir gently until just wilted, maintaining its bright green color and nutrients.
- Finish the Dish
- Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Spoon the sauce over repeatedly as it finishes cooking, allowing the chicken to absorb those flavors while remaining juicy.
Pin it The sun-dried tomatoes are my secret obsession in this recipe. I discovered them while traveling through Tuscany years ago, and I've been incorporating them into dishes ever since. Their intense sweet-tart flavor concentration transforms ordinary cream sauces into something extraordinary, and the beautiful red flecks they add make the dish visually stunning.
Make-Ahead Tips
This Tuscan chicken actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish stands beautifully on its own, it truly shines when served over a starch that can soak up the incredible sauce. Creamy polenta makes for an authentic Italian pairing, while al dente pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle works wonderfully. For a lower-carb option, try roasted spaghetti squash or cauliflower mash. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil provides the perfect bright counterpoint to the rich flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
If heavy cream seems too indulgent, half-and-half works well though the sauce will be slightly thinner. For a dairy-sensitive option, full-fat coconut milk provides comparable richness. Kale can replace spinach for a heartier green that holds up longer in leftovers. Fresh cherry tomatoes can substitute for sun-dried in summer months when they're at peak sweetness just add them later in the cooking process. Boneless chicken thighs make an excellent substitution that provides more moisture and flavor.
Flavor Variations
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. Create a Mediterranean twist by incorporating kalamata olives and artichoke hearts along with the sun-dried tomatoes. For an herbal variation, add fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs to the sauce while simmering, then remove before serving. During mushroom season, adding sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms creates an earthy dimension that complements the cream sauce beautifully.
Pin it Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Tuscan chicken dish tonight. It's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly simple to make.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make the sauce lighter?
For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, or use a light cream alternative.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, mushrooms or artichoke hearts can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
It can be gluten-free if all ingredients, especially broth and sun-dried tomatoes, are verified gluten-free.
- → What sides pair best with this entrée?
Serve with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or cauliflower mash to soak up the creamy sauce.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Sear chicken thoroughly on both sides and simmer gently in the sauce to finish cooking without drying out.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, replace cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan for a satisfying dairy-free option.