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Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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Creamy, cheesy, and so delicious, this creamy tuscan chicken recipe is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Using flavorful, robust ingredients like juicy chicken, sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach and grated parmesan, this recipe comes together easily and in a short amount of time.

A pan with creamy tuscan chicken recipe with chopped basil.

Creamy Chicken Recipe

If you are looking for comfort food that easily passes as a gourmet dish, this creamy tuscan chicken is it. Using only a handful of basic ingredients, anyone can easily impress their hungry dinner guests.

  • CREAMY – The creamy sauce is totally delicious. Be sure to use heavy cream to achieve a silky, smooth richness.
  • CHEESY – The parmesan cheese just melts away and coats the sauce perfectly.
  • FLAVOURFUL – So many delicious flavors including tender chicken, sweet and fragrant sundried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy sauce… what more could you need!?

Similar to our creamy ranch chicken recipe with bacon, this recipe is so versatile that you may want to consider adding it to the weekly dinner rotation.

Recipe ingredients on the counter including bowl of heavy cream, sliced chicken breasts, parmesan cheese, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, spices, butter, broth, oil, and flour.

Recipe Ingredients

Most of these items will already be in your fridge and pantry or can easily be found at your local grocer. Check the list below for the items you’ll need. Full ingredient details are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

CHICKEN BREAST – Chicken will easily take on flavors as it sears in the pan. The best cut for this recipe is boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken cutlets. I was able to find sliced chicken breast which were already the same size – this helps to save time on prep.

VEGETABLES – Sun-dried tomatoes, onion, spinach, and basil all bring their own unique flavors to the dish.

HEAVY CREAM  To get the perfect rich texture, I recommend using full-fat cream. For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream.

FRESH GRATED PARMESAN  Freshly grated parmesan is an essential ingredient in most cream sauces. I don’t recommend using store-bought jar parmesan as it won’t produce the same results. You could also use romano cheese.

ALL PURPOSE FLOUR – Flour will allow the sauce to really grab a hold of the chicken. A gluten-free flour blend will also work.

BUTTER & OIL  Butter and olive oil help cook and add flavor to the dish.

CHICKEN BROTH  A little bit of chicken broth will be the base of the sauce. You can also use white wine.

DIJON MUSTARD – Dijon mustard adds a little tangy, sharp flavor to the creamy sauce.

SEASONINGS – Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning are mixed with the chicken to create a delicious flavor.

Pro Tip: If your sun-dried tomatoes came in a jar, use the infused oil as a replacement for olive oil in the ingredients. This will add a little more flavor to the dish!

Additions

This recipe is so versatile and works with many additional ingredients! Here are a few you can try:

SHRIMP – Add a few shrimps to the recipe for a coastal feel.

TOFU – To match the texture of chicken, use firm tofu cut into bite-sized cubes.

MUSHROOMS – I absolutely love mushrooms for bringing an earthy taste to any dish.

FRESH TOMATOES – A little acidity from sliced cherry tomatoes can offset the creamy richness.

CRUSHED RED PEPPER FLAKES – Spicy heat from red pepper flakes goes fantastically well with a creamy sauce.

STEAMED RICE – Serve this recipe on a bed of ancient grains or steamed white rice.

PASTA – A fettuccini or penne pasta would be perfect to serve with creamy parmesan sauce.

BAGUETTE – Mop up that extra sauce with a fresh baguette from your local bakery!

Pro Tip: This dish pairs nicely with a light Chardonnay or Pinot Gris.

Four images showing steps to make recipe in a pot. First is raw chicken cooking. Second is creamy sauce with grated parmesan dumped in. Third is spinach and sliced sun dried tomatoes dumped on top of a creamy sauce. Fourth is the cooked final tuscan chicken recipe.

How To Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Now that you have all the ingredients needed, you are ready to make the creamiest, most delicious chicken dish that will be ready in no time.

Here’s how to make the recipe with full details in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

  1. PREP – Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast in half and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then, toss in the flour.
  2. SEAR CHICKEN  Using a large skillet, add a tablespoon of oil and butter over medium high heat. Once the pan has heated, you can go ahead and sear each piece of chicken for 3-4 minutes on both sides. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. DEGLAZE  Next, using the same pan, add the chicken broth and dijon mustard. Use a silicone or wood spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan making sure to get all the delicious little bits of chicken left over from the sear. Add the chopped onion and let this simmer for 1 minute.
  4. CREAMY SAUCE – Now, stir in the heavy cream, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
  5. ADD CHICKEN  Once the cheese has melted, bring the chicken back into the pan and cook everything for 4-5 minutes.
  6. SEASON – Remove from the stove, stir in the basil, and season with salt & pepper.

Pro Tip: You can make this ahead of time, just don’t add the cheese until the dish has been re-heated and you’re about to serve.

How To Store 

This dish is best served right after it has been prepared. But will keep in the refrigerator and when reheated properly, can be enjoyed again.

  • REFRIGERATE – Leftovers of this recipe can be stored in a sealed airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • FREEZE – Because of the cream and cheese, I don’t recommend freezing. The sauce will get a grainy texture after being frozen and it isn’t that good.
  • TO REHEAT – For best results, transfer leftovers to a pan and re-heat on your stovetop. Add a splash of fresh cream to bring that sauce back to life!
Close up of fork poking sun dried tomato and chicken in tuscan chicken recipe.

Side Dishes

Add any carb or veggie dish to sit alongside this recipe. Here are a few ideas that will add more substance to your plate:

Common Questions

Why is it called Tuscan Chicken?

Some say that this dish originates from the Tuscany region of Italy. Others say that a popular restaurant, The Olive Garden, was the first to serve it. Either way, it’s very popular and very tasty.

What is Tuscan Chicken made of?

This recipe is made of a thick cream sauce flavored with parmesan cheese, seared chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, and fresh basil.

What to serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken?

Any type of fresh bread is great for mopping up that creamy sauce. Roasted veggies like carrots and potatoes, or a simple side salad all pair well with this dish.

Close up of sun dried tomato recipe in a sauce pan.

Creating a flavourful dish like this creamy tuscan chicken recipe is so easy to do at home. Once you’ve tried it, I’m sure it will become part of your weekly household menu!

More Chicken Dishes To Try

Looking for other chicken recipes? Try a few from the list below. They are all easy to make with simple ingredients.

A fork holding sun dried tomato and chicken in creamy tuscan chicken recipe.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Using flavorful, robust ingredients like sundried tomatoes, fresh basil and grated parmesan, this recipe comes together easily and in a short amount of time.
4 from 4 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Slice each chicken breast in thin strips.
    A plate of chicken breasts, and sliced chicken on counter with a knife.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and Italian seasoning. Then toss each one with flour.
    Two images of a white bowl, first with chicken slices. Second with chicken seasoned with salt and pepper.
  • Add olive oil and butter to a large skillet. Heat over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken breasts 3-4 minutes on each side.
    Two images of a pan, first with raw chicken breasts, second with cooked chicken breast slices.
  • Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
    A plate with cooked chicken breast slices.
  • Add the chicken broth and dijon mustard to the pan. Use a silicone or wood spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan for cooked chicken pieces.
    Add the chopped onion. Let this liquid simmer 1 minute.
    Two images of a pan. First with brown liquid. Second with chopped onion in brown liquid.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan.
    Two images of a pan. First is various ingredients dumped in. Second is creamy liquid.
  • Add the baby spinach, and sun dried tomatoes.
    Two images of a pan. First is spinach and sun dried tomato slices on top of creamy sauce. Second is creamy sauce with spinach and tomato mixed in.
  • Add back in the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes.
    Two images, first is creamy tuscan chicken recipe in pan. Second is close up of the recipe.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the basil. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Recipe Notes:

This dish is best served right after it has been prepared. But will keep in the refrigerator and when reheated properly, can be enjoyed again.
  • REFRIGERATE – Leftovers of this recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • FREEZE – Because of the cream and cheese, I don’t recommend freezing. The sauce will get a grainy texture after being frozen and it isn’t that good.
  • TO REHEAT – For best results, transfer leftovers to a pan and re-heat on your stove top. Add a splash of fresh cream to bring that sauce back to life!

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 303mg | Potassium: 742mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1988IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 2mg
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Recipe Rating




Barbara Norred

Thursday 3rd of August 2023

This is our Family Favorite Dish. I made it at least once a week. I Serve it over Angel Hair Pasta and Garlic Toast and Salad.

Jen

Saturday 24th of June 2023

Unfortunately the Dijon mustard overpowered the other flavors for us. Going to try it without next time because otherwise it was really good!!