Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Name: Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup spinach, fresh; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Rustic Comfort Dishes

I absolutely love making Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken because it brings together rich flavors and a comforting creaminess that’s hard to resist. This dish has become a staple in our home, as the combination of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a delightful meal that pleases everyone at the table. In just under an hour, I can serve up a restaurant-quality dish that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for any weeknight. Plus, the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply heavenly!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T15:30:28.022Z

When I first tried making Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken, I was amazed at how quickly the flavors came together. Using fresh ingredients like garlic and spinach really elevates the dish, while the cream adds a luxurious texture that just binds everything perfectly. I always make sure to deglaze the pan with a bit of chicken broth to capture all those tasty bits stuck on the bottom. It’s all about layering those flavors!

One of my favorite tips is to add the sun-dried tomatoes towards the end of cooking. This way, they retain a bit of their texture and flavor, creating delightful bursts in every bite. I've served this over pasta, mashed potatoes, and even rice, and it’s always a hit. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy sauce infused with fresh garlic and herbs
Perfectly cooked chicken that is juicy and flavorful
Quick and easy to make, great for weeknight dinners

      

Perfecting the Chicken

Cooking the chicken to perfection is crucial for this dish. I recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees that the meat remains juicy without being overcooked. For a golden crust, let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking before slicing; this helps retain its juices. If you notice that the chicken is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning while still achieving the desired color.

If you're pressed for time, you can also sauté the chicken in an Instant Pot. Start on 'Sauté' mode to sear both sides, then add a touch of broth and pressure cook for 6 minutes. This method yields incredibly moist chicken, and the resulting broth can enhance your creamy sauce.

Creamy Sauce Insights

The sauce in this recipe is truly the star. Using heavy cream not only gives it a luxurious texture but also allows the flavors of the garlic and Italian seasoning to shine without overpowering the dish. If you're looking to lighten things up, you can substitute a combination of half-and-half and low-fat cream cheese. This will still yield a creamy consistency with fewer calories.

One important tip while making the sauce is to ensure you scrape up any brown bits from the pan after adding the garlic. These bits are packed with flavor and contribute to the depth of the sauce. After adding the cream, keep the heat low to let it simmer gently. A rapid boil can cause the cream to separate, leading to a less appealing texture.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

To customize this dish, feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. Sauté them alongside the garlic to integrate their flavors into the sauce. For a spicy twist, incorporate red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that enhances the overall flavor profile. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or feta, for varied taste experiences.

When serving, this creamy Tuscan garlic chicken pairs beautifully with fettuccine or a fresh garden salad. For a low-carb option, serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. I recommend garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh basil to elevate the presentation as well as the flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious meal:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup spinach, fresh
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create this delectable dish:

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Create the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the Italian seasoning and allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts. Then, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes. Serve warm over your choice of pasta, rice, or veggies!

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time, which is excellent for meal prepping. After cooking, allow the chicken and sauce to cool before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.

If you want to freeze the dish, ensure it's in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat gently on the stove. Keep an eye on the sauce as it may need additional cream or broth to regain its silky texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you notice that your sauce is too thick, don’t fret! You can easily adjust the consistency by whisking in some chicken broth or additional cream until you reach the desired texture. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a few more minutes to reduce and thicken; patience is key here.

In case your chicken ends up being dry, overcooking is usually the culprit. Always keep an eye on cooking times, especially when using different stovetops or pans. For less robust flavors, check that your garlic is fresh and that you're using enough seasoning. Sometimes, an extra sprinkle of salt can work wonders to enhance those underlying flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For the best flavor, heavy cream is recommended.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even a simple salad.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately and reheat them before serving. However, it’s best enjoyed freshly made.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

While you can freeze the chicken, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. It's best to enjoy the dish fresh.