Creamy Tuscan Chicken – Easy One-Pan Skillet Dinner

Indulge in this decadent Creamy Tuscan Chicken that’s rich in flavor, silky in texture, and filled with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, parmesan, and tender seared chicken breasts.

Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Tuscany, this skillet dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

It comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this dish delivers comforting, creamy goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – On the table in 30 minutes

One pan meal – Less cleanup, all the flavor

Creamy and savory – A luscious sauce with parmesan and cream

Full of Tuscan flavors – Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic

Versatile – Pairs well with pasta, gnocchi, or mashed potatoes

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless and sliced thin for quick cooking

Italian seasoning – Adds that classic herbaceous Tuscan touch

Sun-dried tomatoes – Intense, sweet-tart flavor in every bite

Heavy cream – Forms the base of the rich, velvety sauce

Parmesan cheese – Nutty, salty, and essential for body

Baby spinach – Adds a fresh, leafy texture

Dijon mustard – Enhances the umami and balances the creaminess

Chicken broth – Lifts the sauce with savory depth

Pro Tips Before You Start

Slice chicken evenly – Ensures it cooks quickly and consistently

Don’t skip the flour – It helps thicken the sauce and brown the chicken

Use freshly grated parmesan – It melts better and tastes fresher

Scrape the pan – Those brown bits from searing add major flavor

Stir in basil last – Keeps its aroma and freshness intact

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Slice 4 chicken breasts into thin strips.

Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning.

Sprinkle 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter over medium-high heat.

Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer.

Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce Base

Pour ¼ cup chicken broth and 1 tsp Dijon mustard into the skillet.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom.

Add ½ cup chopped yellow onion and simmer for 1 minute.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Stir in 1½ cups heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add ½ cup grated parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

Mix in 2 cups baby spinach and ½ cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes.

Stir until the spinach wilts.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 Tbsp fresh basil (optional).

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

What to Serve With Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Fettuccine, penne, or pappardelle – Classic pasta pairing

Mashed potatoes or polenta – For rich, hearty texture

Crusty bread or garlic toast – Perfect for soaking up the sauce

Steamed asparagus or green beans – Adds a crisp, fresh side

Glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio – Enhances the creamy sauce

Variations and Substitutions

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite

Add mushrooms for an earthy twist

Stir in red pepper flakes for heat

Make it dairy-free with coconut cream and nutritional yeast

Try zucchini noodles for a low-carb option

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream

Not freezer-friendly due to the dairy in the sauce

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but searing raw chicken adds more flavor to the sauce.

Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

Can I add pasta directly to the pan?
Absolutely. Toss in cooked pasta for a complete one-pan meal.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not as written, but you can add crushed red pepper for a kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but it reheats well the next day.

Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or omit the flour coating to make it GF.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a comforting, satisfying dish that feels elegant yet effortless.

With sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce, it hits all the right notes for flavor and texture.

This is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a staple—easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests.