One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken
If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful, and hassle-free dinner idea, this one-pot creamy Tuscan chicken recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender chicken breasts with a luscious creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality meal right at your home. It’s an outstanding easy Tuscan chicken recipe that comes together in just one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute chicken dinner is approachable for all skill levels, proving that you don’t need to be a chef to create delicious, impressive meals. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or even add some heat if you like. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this one pot chicken recipe checks all the boxes.
Ready to dive in? Keep reading for the full list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and more to master this creamy chicken skillet wonder.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Add spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and simmer for 2-3 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top before serving.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Even cooking: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking for uniform doneness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for better flavor and texture; drain before chopping.
- Thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the cream slightly or add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Spinach alternatives: Baby kale or arugula can be used if you want to switch things up.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat kick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 450mg
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this one-pot creamy Tuscan chicken recipe to your liking:
- Protein swap: Substitute chicken with turkey breasts or pork chops for a similar taste but different protein.
- Cheese variations: Swap Parmesan for Asiago or pecorino to add a different dimension of flavor.
- Vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for added texture and nutrition.
- Low-carb version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect to prepare ahead or as leftovers:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
- Serving ideas: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
- Vegetable sides: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time slightly, cooking thighs a bit longer until fully cooked.
Q2: How to make one-pot creamy Tuscan chicken recipe dairy-free?
Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based cream, and swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or omit completely.
Q3: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
You can freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q4: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! Cook and assemble the dish, then refrigerate and gently reheat when ready to serve. This makes for a great meal prep option.
Q5: What can I serve with this creamy chicken skillet?
It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Conclusion
This one-pot creamy Tuscan chicken recipe is a shining example of how easy it can be to prepare a delicious and hearty meal without the fuss. In just 30 minutes, with minimal ingredients and equipment, you can bring vibrant flavors and creamy indulgence to your dinner table. Whether you’re looking for quick easy Tuscan chicken ideas or want a flavorful creamy chicken skillet meal to impress guests, this dish is a perfect choice. Try it tonight and enjoy a comforting taste of Italy with none of the complicated cleanup!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 4