My Sunny Italian Skillet
I love a meal that feels like a hug. This creamy Tuscan chicken is just that. It all happens in one pan. That means less washing up for you. I still smile when I see those sun-dried tomatoes. They look like little pieces of summer sun. This is my go-to 30 minute chicken dinner. The smell of garlic and Parmesan fills the kitchen. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It turns simple chicken breast into something special. What’s your favorite smell from your kitchen? Tell me, I’d love to know.A Little Story About Tomatoes
Let me tell you about sun-dried tomatoes. I first tried them years ago. A friend brought them back from Italy. I thought they looked funny and wrinkly. But their flavor is powerful and sweet. It’s a fun fact: drying tomatoes makes their taste stronger. It’s like concentrating sunshine. That’s why they matter here. They give our sauce a deep, rich flavor. They make this sun-dried tomato chicken taste like it cooked all day. But it doesn’t! This is a quick and easy chicken breast recipe. You get big flavor without big work.Why The Simple Steps Work
First, we give the chicken a light coat of flour. This helps it get a nice golden color. That color means flavor. Then we cook the garlic just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can taste bitter. Next comes the magic. We make the Parmesan cream sauce right in the same skillet. You scrape up all the tasty brown bits from the chicken. Those bits are flavor gold. This one skillet chicken method is smart. It keeps every bit of taste in your dinner.Bringing It All Together
Now for the best part. We stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Watch the spinach wilt down in the warm sauce. It turns a beautiful bright green. This Italian chicken skillet is so pretty. The red tomatoes and green spinach make me happy. Then you just add the chicken back. Spoon that lovely sauce right over the top. This matters because the sauce soaks into the chicken. Every bite is juicy and full of the creamy sauce. Do you like to serve yours over pasta, rice, or just as it is?Your Easy Weeknight Dinner
This Tuscan chicken recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights. It feels fancy but is so simple. That’s the second reason this matters. Good food doesn’t have to be hard. It can bring joy on a regular Wednesday. I love how the creamy sauce, the pop of tomato, and the fresh spinach work together. It’s a complete meal. What’s your favorite quick dinner to make? Share it with me next time. Now, go make your kitchen smell wonderful.Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 | Sliced or pounded thin |
| Kosher salt and black pepper | To taste | For seasoning |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup | For dredging |
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 1-2 Tablespoons | For sautéing |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 1/2 cup | |
| Heavy cream | 3/4 cup | |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | Plus more for serving |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | |
| Fresh baby spinach | 1-2 cups | |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 1/2 cup | |
| Pasta and fresh basil | For serving | Optional, for garnish/serving |
Instructions
Step 1: First, season your chicken. Then, give it a light coat of flour. This helps make a nice golden crust. My grandson always shakes it like a maraca! (Shake off extra flour so it doesn’t get gummy.)
Step 2: Cook the chicken in hot oil until golden. It smells so good already. Set it aside on a plate. This is the start of our one skillet chicken meal. What’s your favorite kitchen smell? Share below!
Step 3: In that same pan, cook the garlic. It sizzles fast! Pour in the broth and scrape up the tasty bits. This makes the base for our Parmesan cream sauce. I still laugh at that sizzle sound.
Step 4: Now, stir in the cream, cheese, and seasoning. Let it bubble and thicken. This creamy Tuscan chicken sauce is magic. Doesn’t that smell amazing? (Stir often so the cream is happy.)
Step 5: Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. They make it so pretty! Let the spinach wilt down. This Tuscan chicken recipe is almost done. It’s a perfect quick and easy chicken breast dinner.
Step 6: Nestle the chicken back into that lovely sauce. Spoon it all over. Let it get cozy for a minute. Your Italian chicken skillet is ready. This easy weeknight dinner always feels special.
Creative Twists
Mushroom Magic: Add sliced mushrooms with the garlic. They soak up the sauce so well.
Zesty Lemon: Stir a squeeze of lemon juice in at the end. It makes the flavors pop!
Creamy Dreamy Pasta: Serve it over cheesy risotto instead of pasta. It’s so comforting.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This sun-dried tomato chicken is wonderful over pasta. A simple green salad on the side is perfect. For a treat, I love garlic bread to soak up the extra Parmesan cream sauce. Doesn’t that sound good? Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Tuscan Chicken Cozy
Let’s talk about storing this lovely one skillet chicken. First, let it cool completely. Then, tuck it into an airtight container. It will be happy in your fridge for about three days. You can also freeze it for a month. I remember my first batch of creamy Tuscan chicken. I was so proud, I made a double portion for the freezer.
Reheating is simple. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to wake up the Parmesan cream sauce. Stir gently until warm. Batch cooking this 30 minute chicken dinner is a lifesaver. It means a delicious, easy weeknight dinner is ready on a busy night. That matters. It turns a stressful evening into a peaceful one.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Little Fixes for Big Flavor
Even simple recipes can have hiccups. Here are three common ones. First, a thin sauce. If your sauce won’t thicken, let it simmer a bit longer. The cream needs time to reduce. Second, tough chicken. I once cooked chicken breasts that were too thick. They dried out. Always pound them thin for a quick and easy chicken breast result.
Third, bland flavor. Do not be shy with the salt. Taste your sauce at the end. This matters because seasoning builds layers of flavor. Fixing small issues builds your cooking confidence too. You learn that a small tweak makes a big difference. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is Tuscan Sun Creamed Chicken?
It is a rich and comforting Italian chicken skillet dish. Tender chicken sits in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. The sauce is filled with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It tastes like a restaurant meal but is a simple 30 minute chicken dinner you make at home. The sun-dried tomato chicken brings a sweet and tangy flavor that is just wonderful.
How to make Tuscan Creamed Chicken?
You start by cooking thin chicken breasts in a skillet. Then you make the sauce right in the same pan. Sauté garlic, add broth, cream, and cheese. Stir in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes until wilted. Add the chicken back to warm through. This one skillet chicken method means less cleanup. It is my favorite Tuscan chicken recipe for a busy night.
What is a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in Tuscan chicken?
If you do not have sun-dried tomatoes, use roasted red peppers. Chop them up and add them in. You could also use a few tablespoons of tomato paste for a rich flavor. A fun fact: sun-dried tomatoes are just regular tomatoes dried in the sun! They pack a big flavor punch. But these swaps still make a tasty easy weeknight dinner.
What to serve with Tuscan Creamed Chicken?
This dish is perfect over pasta. The sauce coats the noodles beautifully. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping. For something lighter, try it with zucchini noodles or a simple green salad. The creamy Tuscan chicken is so versatile. It turns a simple side into a full, satisfying meal that everyone at the table will enjoy.
What is the difference between Tuscan chicken and regular chicken?
Regular chicken might be baked or grilled with simple spices. Tuscan chicken is all about the luxurious sauce. It is a quick and easy chicken breast transformed by that Italian-inspired Parmesan cream sauce. The addition of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes makes it special. It feels fancy but is so simple to make in one pan for an easy weeknight dinner.
Can you make Tuscan Creamed Chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Mix the broth, cream, cheese, and seasonings together. Pour it over the chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes at the end. Let them wilt in the hot sauce. This method makes the chicken very tender and is a great hands-off option.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this creamy Tuscan chicken. It is a recipe that feels like a hug. Cooking should be joyful, not stressful. This dish is perfect for that. I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Did your family enjoy it? Did you add your own little twist? Your stories make my day.
Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Happy cooking!
—Grace Hollander.
Tuscan Sun Creamed Chicken
Description
A creamy, sun-drenched skillet chicken dish with garlic, Parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow bowl or plate, then dredge each piece of chicken through it to form a light coating, shaking gently to remove any excess.
- Add olive oil to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and sauté for 2-4 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove the chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and set aside.
- If the skillet is dry, add a tiny bit more olive oil, followed by the garlic. Cook for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant. Add chicken broth, and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium, then stir in the cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce visibly thickens.
- Stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, until the spinach wilts. Sample and season with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Add chicken back to the skillet, spoon a bit of sauce over each piece, and keep over the lowest heat setting until ready to serve. Garnish with more Parmesan, fresh slivered basil, and fresh-cracked black pepper as desired.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.