There’s something magical about a creamy, garlicky chicken dish that feels like it came straight from a cozy Italian kitchen. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a rich Parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach — a comforting, restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a family dinner, or a weeknight craving for something indulgent yet simple, this recipe delivers. It’s rich but balanced, hearty yet elegant, and best of all — it’s ready in about 30 minutes.
If you love creamy chicken dishes like Creamy Ranch Chicken Crockpot, this Tuscan version is about to become your new favorite. Let’s dive into what makes it irresistible.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
1. Restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes
This dish tastes like something you’d order at an Italian bistro, yet it’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes is simply heavenly.
2. Rich and creamy but not too heavy
The sauce is thickened naturally with cream and Parmesan — no cornstarch or heavy flour base. It’s silky and coats every bite of chicken beautifully.
3. Versatile and family-friendly
You can serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Even picky eaters love the creamy garlic flavor.
4. One-pan cleanup
This meal comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
5. Adaptable ingredients
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, swap spinach for kale, or add mushrooms for extra depth.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1½ cups baby spinach
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken: You can also use chicken thighs or tenders for juicier results.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The oil-packed kind adds great flavor.
- Parmesan: Use freshly grated cheese — pre-grated versions don’t melt as smoothly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and sear the chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute to release their oils.
Step 3: Make the creamy sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in now.
Step 4: Add spinach and finish the dish
Add baby spinach and let it wilt in the sauce. Stir in a tablespoon of butter for a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
This creamy, dreamy chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with many sides. The luscious sauce begs for something to soak it up!
Serve your Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken over:
- Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or linguine are perfect for catching all that sauce.
- Rice: A great gluten-free option that balances the richness.
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy-on-creamy combo is pure comfort food.
- Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice: For a lighter, low-carb meal.
To elevate your dinner, serve with a crisp side salad and garlic bread. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
If you enjoy comforting chicken dinners, don’t miss this cozy Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole — another crowd-pleaser with a creamy, savory twist.
How to Store Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Leftovers? Lucky you — this dish tastes even better the next day.
To store:
- Refrigerate: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat:
Warm gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken in the fridge.
Avoid boiling the sauce when reheating; it can cause the cream to separate.
For another make-ahead meal, try the creamy and hearty Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole — rich, flavorful, and freezer-friendly too.
Tips to Make Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
- Pound the chicken evenly:
Ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy. - Don’t rush the sear:
Letting the chicken brown deeply adds flavor to both the meat and the sauce. - Use freshly grated Parmesan:
It melts smoother and adds a salty, nutty flavor. - Deglaze the pan properly:
When you add broth or cream, scrape up the golden bits from the pan bottom — that’s where the magic happens. - Add greens at the end:
Spinach wilts fast, so add it right before serving to keep it bright and fresh. - Balance the richness:
A squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of crushed red pepper can cut through the creaminess perfectly.
Variations of Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
This recipe is endlessly customizable. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Creamy Tuscan Shrimp: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Slice the chicken and toss it directly with cooked pasta and sauce.
- Mushroom Lovers’ Version: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the garlic for earthy flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan — still rich and flavorful.
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce will be thinner.
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat.
FAQs
1. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit more Parmesan to thicken it naturally.
2. What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Try cherry tomatoes sautéed in olive oil for a fresh, juicy twist.
3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
It already is — just make sure your chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free certified.
4. Can I bake this dish instead?
Yes. After searing, transfer chicken and sauce to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
5. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat on low when adding cream and avoid boiling. Stir constantly for a smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a recipe that truly has it all — rich flavor, simple steps, and the kind of comfort that never gets old. It’s the perfect blend of Italian-inspired ingredients and homestyle comfort.
Whether you’re serving it for a romantic dinner or a casual weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich Parmesan sauce — a restaurant-quality dish made in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups baby spinach
Instructions
1. Season chicken and sear in skillet until golden.
2. Remove chicken; sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Add cream, broth, and Parmesan; simmer to thicken.
4. Stir in spinach until wilted.
5. Return chicken to pan, coat with sauce, and serve.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
For a lighter option, swap cream for half-and-half.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg