Rich, creamy, and packed with bold Italian-inspired flavors, Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach is the kind of dinner that feels restaurant-quality but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or when you want something indulgent without complicated steps, this recipe comes together in one pan and delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach Is So Popular
Bold Flavor, Simple Technique
This dish balances richness and freshness beautifully. The creamy sauce is infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, while spinach adds color, nutrients, and a fresh finish.
Perfect for Any Occasion
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Elegant enough for guests
- Family-friendly comfort food
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 | Main protein |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Searing |
| Butter | 1 tbsp | Richness |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | Aromatic base |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed) | ½ cup | Tuscan flavor |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | Sauce base |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creamy texture |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup | Depth & saltiness |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Herbal notes |
| Red pepper flakes | Optional | Mild heat |
| Fresh spinach | 3 cups | Fresh balance |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them brown instead of steaming. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, without moving it, until a golden crust forms.
Once browned and mostly cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. It will finish cooking later in the sauce.
👉 Pro Tip: If the chicken breasts are thick, lightly pound them to an even thickness for faster, more even cooking.
2. Build the Sauce Base
Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt, scraping up the flavorful browned bits left from the chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, coating them in the butter and garlic to release their aroma.
👉 Flavor Tip: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add more richness than dry ones.
3. Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds deep, savory flavor to the sauce. Let the broth simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
👉 Why this matters: Deglazing prevents flavor loss and builds a richer sauce base.
4. Make It Creamy
Lower the heat slightly and slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth. Let the sauce gently simmer (do not boil) for 3–4 minutes, just until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
👉 Pro Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
5. Add Spinach and Finish
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and infused with flavor.
👉 Final Touch: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
Pro Tips
- Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor
- Keep heat low once cream is added
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts best
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the cream sauce
- Overcooking the chicken
- Using pre-shredded cheese
Variations & Substitutions
Easy Customizations
- Add mushrooms for extra depth
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts
- Add a splash of white wine before cream
- Swap spinach for kale
Lighter Options
- Use half-and-half instead of cream
- Reduce cheese slightly
- Serve with vegetables instead of pasta
What to Serve With This Dish
- Pasta or fettuccine
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice or orzo
- Crusty bread
- Roasted vegetables
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach be made ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best reheated gently to preserve the creamy texture.
Is Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach spicy?
No. It’s mild, but red pepper flakes can be added for heat.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
What makes it “Tuscan”?
The combination of garlic, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs gives it a Tuscan-inspired flavor profile.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant meal that comes together effortlessly, Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach is a perfect choice. With tender chicken, a rich garlic cream sauce, and fresh spinach, this dish delivers bold flavor and cozy satisfaction—making it a reliable favorite for weeknights and special occasions alike.