Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Recipe
✅ Prep Time: 10 minutes
✅ Cook Time: 25 minutes
✅ Total Time: 35 minutes
✅ Servings: 4
✅ Difficulty: Medium
✅ Calories per serving: ~520 kcal
🧄 Description:
This Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken recipe is a one-pan wonder packed with juicy pan-seared chicken breasts in a luscious garlic cream sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food made right in your kitchen in under 40 minutes! Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Creamy Garlic Tuscan Sauce:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
🔪 Instructions:
🟠 Step 1: Season the Chicken (5 minutes)
Pat chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them rest while the skillet heats.
🟠 Step 2: Sear the Chicken (6-7 minutes)
Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate. (They will finish cooking in the sauce.)
🟠 Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce (10 minutes)
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it). Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful bits from the bottom. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened—about 3-5 minutes.
🟠 Step 4: Add Vegetables (3 minutes)
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. Let the spinach wilt and the tomatoes soften—about 2-3 minutes.
🟠 Step 5: Return Chicken & Simmer (5 minutes)
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 4–5 minutes over low heat, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors. Spoon sauce over the chicken occasionally.
🟠 Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove from heat. Serve hot with your choice of side—pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a crusty bread roll to mop up that luscious sauce.
🍽️ What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Linguine or fettuccine
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Cauliflower mash (low-carb option)
- Herbed rice pilaf
- Crusty artisan bread
📝 Tips & Tricks:
- Swap the cream: Want it lighter? Use half-and-half, but note the sauce won’t be as thick.
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding garlic for extra umami.
- Protein swap: Boneless chicken thighs work just as well and are juicier.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan to substitute.
- Spice it up: Crank up the red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
❄️ Storage & Reheating:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooked dish (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- To reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
🥄 Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | 37g |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
Note: Nutritional data is approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- ✅ Creamy, garlicky, and bursting with Tuscan flavors
- ✅ One-skillet magic – less mess, more flavor
- ✅ Perfect for both weeknights and fancy dinners
- ✅ Naturally gluten-free
- ✅ Easy to customize with what’s in your pantry
🧑🍳 Reader Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This was better than what I’ve had at Olive Garden! The sauce is so rich, and even my picky husband went for seconds.” – Sarah M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I served this with zucchini noodles and it was a hit. Even the kids cleaned their plates!” – Tom R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “So easy to follow. I added mushrooms and a splash of white wine. Delicious!” – Emily J.
🏷️ Tags:
#CreamyChicken #TuscanChickenRecipe #EasyDinner #LowCarb #ChickenDinnerIdeas #OnePanMeal
📌 Final Thoughts:
If you’re craving something indulgent yet simple, this Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Recipe is your go-to. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress at your next dinner party, this dish hits the spot. Plus, it’s quick, adaptable, and absolutely crave-worthy.
