Introduction
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Spinach is a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish made at home with simple ingredients. Juicy chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh spinach. The result is a dish that’s rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor.
This recipe is inspired by rustic Tuscan flavors—garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes add depth, while cream and Parmesan bring silky richness. The spinach not only adds freshness but also balances the creaminess, making this dish hearty yet wholesome.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it feels like a fancy restaurant dinner made in one skillet. The garlic cream sauce is absolutely irresistible—it clings to the chicken and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread. The mix of creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes is heavenly.
Another reason I love it is that it’s fast and versatile. It takes under an hour to make, works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, and can be customized with different proteins or vegetables. It’s the perfect blend of elegance and comfort.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour.
- A rich and creamy sauce that makes everything taste indulgent.
- One-pan recipe—easy to make, easy to clean.
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or bread.
- Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights.
Recipe Time & Serving Info
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~510 per serving (varies depending on cream and cheese used)
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired / Tuscan-style
- Course: Main Course (Dinner/Lunch)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil, drained)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp dried basil (or fresh basil, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves
- Extra Parmesan (optional)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Season and sear chicken until golden, then set aside.
- Make garlic cream sauce with butter, garlic, cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add spinach until wilted.
- Return chicken to skillet and simmer in sauce until cooked through.
- Garnish and serve hot.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
- Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Spinach & Chicken:
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over it.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with parsley or basil.
- Serve hot with pasta, rice, or bread.
How to Serve
- Over fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a creamy pasta dinner.
- With rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- With crusty bread to scoop up every drop of the garlic cream sauce.
- Alongside a fresh green salad for balance.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- If sauce is too thick, add extra broth; if too thin, simmer longer.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth in the sauce.
Variations
- Tuscan Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp, cooking them quickly before making the sauce.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Mushroom Tuscan Chicken: Add sautéed mushrooms for earthiness.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze chicken with sauce (without spinach) for up to 2 months. Add fresh spinach when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to keep sauce silky.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Meat thermometer (to check chicken doneness)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Spinach is a comforting, elegant, and flavor-packed dish that brings the warmth of Tuscan flavors to your dinner table. With its creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone who loves hearty and indulgent meals. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will win hearts every time.
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Spinach
Description
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Spinach is a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish made at home with simple ingredients. Juicy chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
Garnish:
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken : Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
-
Sear the Chicken : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through.Remove and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce : In the same skillet, melt butter.Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1 minute).Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
-
Add Spinach & Chicken : Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt.Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over it.Simmer for 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
-
Garnish & Serve : Sprinkle with parsley or basil.Serve hot with pasta, rice, or bread.
