Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and downright comforting, then you’re in the right place. I absolutely love this Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe because it’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The tender chicken breasts swim in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach—a combo that my family goes crazy for every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe lies in the simple, quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. When you shop, look for plump chicken breasts and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil—they make a big difference.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Try to get even-sized pieces for uniform cooking; pounding them slightly helps too.
• Italian seasoning: If you don’t have a blend, mix oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary for authentic flavor.
• Kosher salt: Use kosher salt for better control of seasoning and to avoid over-salting.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Always freshly ground for the best aroma.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use good quality oil for searing; it adds subtle richness.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that deep, fragrant flavor.
• Yellow onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the sauce and adds sweetness.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Thinly sliced, preferably oil-packed for extra lusciousness.
• Baby spinach: Fresh leaves wilt quickly, adding vibrant color and nutrition.
• Heavy cream: The key to creamy sauce; you can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option (see note below).
• Grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for sharp, nutty flavor that finishes the sauce perfectly.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to what you have on hand or your dietary needs without losing any of the flavor.

• Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan; it still gives the sauce great creaminess and a cheesy flavor.
• Mushroom Addition: I once tossed in sautéed mushrooms, and it gave the recipe an earthy depth that reminded me of rustic Italian trattorias.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic if you want a little heat—it wakes up the whole dish wonderfully.
• Herbs Swap: Fresh basil or thyme added at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps get a nice golden sear. Then sprinkle both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I learned the hard way that seasoning well upfront is key to flavorful chicken. If time allows, let the chicken sit seasoned for 10 minutes before cooking so the spices have a chance to work their magic.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until you get that beautiful golden crust. Don’t rush this part—patience helps develop flavor and texture. When it’s done, remove chicken to a plate and set aside. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet; we’ll finish it in the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for just about a minute until fragrant. This step floods your kitchen with the most amazing aroma—you’ll see why I’m so hooked on this recipe.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Add Creamy Goodness

Next, stir in the baby spinach and sauté for just a minute until it starts to wilt but stays vibrant. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. This is where the sauce thickens and gets that silky texture that you’ll want to spoon right out of the pan.

Step 5: Simmer Chicken in Sauce Until Cooked

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let them cook gently for about 5 minutes, spooning sauce over the top now and then. This finishes cooking the chicken perfectly, keeping it juicy while it soaks up all those Tuscan flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of extra freshly grated parmesan and a few torn fresh basil leaves or parsley for that pop of color and herbaceous hint. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving also adds a glossy, inviting look.

Side Dishes

Personally, I serve this creamy Tuscan chicken over buttery garlic mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even a bed of al dente pasta to soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, are perfect to round out the meal without competing with the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try plating the chicken breast sliced against the grain on a warm oval dish, spooning the creamy sauce artfully around it, and garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens. It’s an elegant touch that makes it feel extra special without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I like to keep the chicken and sauce together since the flavors deepen overnight, but you’ll want to gently reheat to avoid drying out the chicken.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this creamy Tuscan chicken with great success. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you thaw, do so in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, or microwave in short bursts to maintain creaminess and prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating helps revive the sauce’s luscious texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is truly a keeper in my cookbook because it brings together comfort and elegance with ease. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why simple ingredients combined thoughtfully make such a show-stopping meal. I hope you’ll enjoy making (and eating!) this just as much as my family and I do. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your new go-to weeknight favorite, just like it did for me!

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