This easy creamy garlic Tuscan chicken recipe delivers juicy pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic, sun-dried tomato, and spinach cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this restaurant-quality dish is a perfect low-carb, keto-friendly weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 410 kcal per serving
- Dietary Info: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly
Ingredients You Will Need
- Chicken Breasts: 4 medium fillets (boneless, skinless, pounded to even thickness)
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup (drained and chopped, oil reserved)
- Fresh Spinach: 2 cups (packed, fresh baby spinach leaves)
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (or whipping cream for a thick, velvety sauce)
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup (low-sodium)
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced fresh)
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (grated)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (or use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Season the chicken: Generously sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Pan-sear: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
Step 2: Build the Tuscan Cream Sauce
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is fully wilted.
- Assemble: Return the chicken and its resting juices back into the skillet. Spoon the rich Tuscan cream sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Serve: Let it simmer for 1 more minute until everything is hot, then serve immediately.
Tuscan Chicken Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What goes well with Tuscan chicken?
To keep it low-carb or keto, serve Tuscan chicken over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower mash. For a non-keto option, it pairs perfectly with pasta like fettuccine, white rice, or a side of crusty garlic bread.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Increase the searing time by 2 to 3 minutes per side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Thighs naturally stay juicier in cream sauces.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the cream sauce if it thickens. Do not microwave on high, or the cream sauce may separate.