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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe Easy One-Pan Dinner Idea

creamy tuscan chicken skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan creamy Tuscan chicken skillet that combines tender chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700g), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with ½ teaspoon salt)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pound them to an even thickness about ½ inch (1.25 cm).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Let the oil shimmer but not smoke.
  3. Add the chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning the garlic.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then add fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and blends into the sauce.
  7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and heat together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and keep chicken juicy.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish just before serving (optional).

Notes

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more chicken broth. If too thin, simmer longer before adding cheese. Keep heat moderate to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Fresh Parmesan cheese is preferred for better melt and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken skillet, one-pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Italian herbs