Why You’ll Love Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
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The creamy, cheesy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms brings rich, savory flavor that transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-style meal.
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It’s quick and simple: ready in just about 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Incredibly versatile — serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
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Easy to adapt with ingredients you have on hand: swap in different vegetables, proteins, or cheeses.
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Elegant enough for guests, yet easy enough for everyday dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1¼ lbs thin boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
1 tablespoon flour
1½ teaspoons minced garlic
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup baby spinach leaves
⅓ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm under foil.
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In the same pan, melt butter. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned and tender.
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Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and mix until combined.
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Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
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Stir in parmesan cheese. Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until spinach is wilted.
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Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for a deeper, richer flavor.
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Replace mushrooms with vegetables like zucchini, kale, artichokes, or roasted red peppers.
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Add extras like olives, white beans, pancetta, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Try different cheeses like mozzarella, asiago, fontina, or romano.
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Use fresh herbs such as basil or oregano for a different aromatic twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Why is the sauce creamy?
The sauce uses heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and butter to create a thick, velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to avoid watering down the sauce.
What if my chicken breasts are too thick?
Slice them in half lengthwise or pound them thinner for quicker and more even cooking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and offer a juicier, more flavorful result.
What can I serve this chicken with?
It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture of the sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate and become grainy upon reheating.
How can I make the dish lighter or lower in calories?
Use light cream or half-and-half, reduce the amount of cheese, or pair it with lighter sides like steamed vegetables.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives, but note the texture and flavor may differ from the original.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely — bell peppers, kale, zucchini, or even peas can be added to boost nutrition and variety.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. With its rich, cheesy sauce and flavorful additions like mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a dish that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy every time.
