Easy 30-Minute Tuscan Chicken

Whip up something deliciously Italian in just half an hour! Our easy 30-minute Tuscan chicken is creamy, quick, and full of the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.

I love this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe—it’s quick and so versatile! You just sear the chicken breasts, then simmer them in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and you can pair it with pasta or salad to suit any taste.

It’s a great dish for a simple weeknight dinner or even special occasions when you want a taste of Italian flair without too much fuss.

Let’s get started!

🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes

• Chicken Breasts: Main ingredient. Substitute with turkey breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs if unavailable.
• Italian Seasoning: Essential for flavor. Make your own by mixing dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme if needed.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Adds tangy flavor. Roasted red peppers are a good alternative.
• Baby Spinach: Brings freshness and color. Kale can be used as a substitute for a heartier texture.
• Whipping Cream: Creates a rich sauce. Use full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Grated Parmesan: Enhances sauce complexity. Asiago or Pecorino Romano can be used as alternatives.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

To start, wash and dry the meat well, then season it generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

After that, take a large skillet and pour in 1 teaspoon of olive oil, then fry the meat well on both sides until it is nicely browned.

While the meat is browning, thoroughly drain the tomatoes of oil and cut them into strips as shown in the picture below, then add them over the chicken once it has browned.

After that, pour in the whipping cream, mix well, and cover the meat with the sauce on all sides. Cover with a lid and let it cook on low heat for about 10 minutes.

Add the washed and well-dried spinach and place it over the sauce, mix carefully, and cook for about 5 more minutes with the spinach.

Then, add the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat until the Parmesan is melted.

Serve immediately while hot, along with a slice of bread to enjoy the fine and delicate taste of the sauce.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Over Pasta: I usually toss the creamy Tuscan chicken with al dente pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti—it really soaks up that rich sauce.
• With Crusty Bread: Fresh, crusty bread is a must for mopping up all that creamy sauce. Whether it’s garlic-infused ciabatta or rustic sourdough, it really turns the meal into a feast.
• Atop Rice or Grains: Sometimes I serve it over fluffy rice or grains like quinoa or farro. It’s a hearty and healthy way to enjoy Tuscan garlic chicken, balancing out the creaminess of the sauce.
• Alongside Vegetables: I like to keep it light and pair the chicken with roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, or artichokes, seasoned with just a bit of garlic and olive oil. It makes for a vibrant and nutritious meal.
• In a Salad: For a fresh twist, I’ll slice the Tuscan chicken and lay it over a big green salad with baby greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, using some of the creamy sauce as a dressing. It’s a great way to enjoy the dish with a bit of crisp freshness.

😻 Storage

Refrigeration: After the Tuscan chicken cools off, I pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3-4 days. Keeping it sealed up tight helps keep the flavors in and any weird fridge smells out.

Freezing: I don’t usually freeze this dish because the cream sauce can get a bit grainy, but if you need to, freeze the chicken separately and whip up fresh sauce later. If you’re freezing, use a freezer bag or airtight container, press out all the air, and it’ll be fine for a couple of months.

Thawing and Reheating: Always thaw it in the fridge overnight, not on the counter.

When reheating, I just put it back in a skillet, maybe add a touch of water or broth if the sauce looks thick, and heat it gently. If the sauce separates, a little stir often brings it back together.

🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?

• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before searing. This enhances the dish’s flavor.
• Sear the chicken in a hot skillet for a golden exterior, adding depth to the chicken and sauce.
• Deglaze the pan with broth or wine to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
• Simmer the sauce gently after adding whipping cream and other ingredients to thicken it without boiling.
• Add baby spinach at the end to keep it vibrant and just wilted.
• If the sauce is too thick, thin with chicken broth or pasta water. If it is too thin, simmer longer, or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
• Rest the chicken before slicing to ensure it remains moist.
• Taste and adjust the sauce’s seasonings, if necessary, with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

📋 Recipe Card:

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