Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (thinly sliced); 2 cups baby spinach; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

There’s something so comforting about a sauce that’s rich, velvety, and loaded with fresh ingredients. That’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe — a beautiful blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach swimming in a luscious creamy sauce. It’s seriously one of my go-to meals when I want something impressive without a ton of fuss.

A white round pan holds four large pieces of light brown cooked chicken in a thick, creamy orange sauce. The sauce is mixed with dark green wilted spinach leaves and strips of deep red sun-dried tomatoes scattered over and between the chicken pieces. The chicken is slightly browned on top with black specks of seasoning. The pan rests on a gray checked cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this creamy Tuscan chicken skillet recipe countless times, and every single time it delights. The flavors are cozy yet fresh, and it always earns compliments from everyone at the table—even picky eaters. Here’s why you’ll want to keep it in your regular dinner rotation.

Simple, fresh ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh items, which means no crazy grocery runs.
One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is quick and easy—always a winner in my book.
Rich, creamy sauce: The combination of cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes gives you a sauce that’s indulgent but balanced with brightness from the spinach.
Perfect for any night: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish feels special without being complicated.

The image shows a white pan filled with four cooked chicken pieces in a thick, creamy orange sauce. The sauce is rich and smooth with visible specks of herbs and small chunks of sun-dried tomatoes, which are dark red and wrinkled. There are also green wilted spinach leaves scattered on top and mixed within the sauce. The chicken pieces are browned lightly on top, smooth and plump, soaking in the sauce. The pan is resting on a gray textured cloth, and the whole scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines ingredients that bring a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness making every bite enjoyable—from juicy chicken to tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy parmesan-enhanced sauce. Here’s a quick breakdown of why each ingredient matters:

Flat lay of four boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning with visible dried oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary leaves, a few pinkish crystals of kosher salt, a small pile of freshly ground black peppercorns, a small white bowl with golden extra virgin olive oil, four peeled garlic cloves, a small mound of finely chopped yellow onion, a small white bowl filled with thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, a handful of fresh bright green baby spinach leaves, a small white bowl of heavy cream with a smooth surface, and a small white dish with finely grated pale ivory parmesan cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps the protein lean and cooks relatively quickly, perfect for weeknights.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary that adds authentic Tuscan flavor without needing lots of individual spices.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the natural taste of the chicken and balance the creaminess.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken beautifully, giving it a lovely golden crust.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic provides a fragrant base for the sauce that’s hard to beat.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped onion softens in the pan, adding subtle sweetness that complements the tangy tomatoes.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Their intense, slightly sweet and tangy flavor cuts through the creaminess, preventing the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Baby spinach: Offers a fresh, slightly earthy note and a burst of color, wilting perfectly in the sauce.
Heavy cream: The star of the creamy base, it thickens the sauce and delivers that luscious mouthfeel everyone loves. (And if you want dairy-free, coconut cream works!)
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth, enhancing the sauce with its nuttiness and helping it thicken beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This creamy Tuscan chicken skillet recipe is incredibly flexible. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or the mood I’m in. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

Variation: I once swapped the chicken breasts for boneless thighs, which gave the dish an even juicier, more tender texture—and I loved the added richness that brought.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a subtle kick without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Go lighter: For a lower-fat option, substitute half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt, just be careful to simmer gently so it doesn’t curdle.
Try a dairy-free version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast—trust me, it still tastes amazing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

First things first, season both sides of your chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I find that seasoning early helps the flavors really penetrate the meat. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, and add the chicken. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan—give the chicken space to sear properly. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Return to the same skillet and add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent—this step brings out a delightful sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes start to soften. This combination creates such a gorgeous depth of flavor that forms the heart of the sauce.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Cream

Next, add the baby spinach and sauté for about a minute until it just starts to wilt. Then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese right on top. Stir everything together to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens and becomes beautifully rich while the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 4: Return Chicken and Finish Cooking

Carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer together for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce coats it nicely. Don’t rush this part—letting the flavors mingle here elevates the dish to something truly special.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few tricks from making this recipe multiple times, so here are my best tips to help you get it just right without any stress.

Dry your chicken first: Patting the chicken breasts dry before seasoning helps get that perfect golden crust when searing.
Don’t rush the sear: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for the full 3-4 minutes each side. Moving it around too soon prevents that nice caramelized color.
Simmer gently: When you add the cream and parmesan, keep the heat medium-low to avoid curdling the cream and to let the sauce thicken slowly.
Use good quality sun-dried tomatoes: If possible, get the oil-packed variety sliced thinly for better texture and flavor infusion.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I’ll even add a little extra shaved parmesan on top for that cheesy punch. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving also works wonders, cutting some of the richness and brightening the whole dish.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides are simple and hands-off. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread are classic companions. For something lighter, steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts add a nice crisp contrast. Sometimes, I serve it over a bed of cooked pasta or cauliflower rice to soak up every bit of that incredible sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the chicken sliced and fanned out on a warm plate, drizzled generously with sauce, and sprinkled with microgreens or edible flowers. It makes the dish feel elegant without any extra work, perfect when guests come over and you want to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover creamy Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. I find the sauce thickens overnight, so a splash of cream or milk when reheating helps loosen it back up beautifully.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it’ll last up to 2 months. When thawed and reheated gently on low heat, the flavors hold up nicely. Just be sure to stir occasionally while reheating to keep the sauce smooth.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the cream sauce separate. Stir gently and heat until warmed through for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

If you need a lighter or dairy-free option, you can use half-and-half, coconut cream, or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. Just be sure to add them at lower heat to avoid curdling and maintain that creamy texture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately a day ahead, but I recommend combining and reheating right before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

How do I avoid the cream sauce from curdling?

To prevent curdling, keep your heat on medium-low after adding the cream, avoid boiling the sauce vigorously, and stir gently as it simmers. Using fresh cream and parmesan also helps stabilize the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe has become a comfort staple in my kitchen because it’s straightforward, feels a little fancy, and tastes like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re surprising someone special or just treating yourself at the end of a long day, it’s a dish that delivers in every way. I hope you’ll give it a try and see how easy it is to bring a little Italian sunshine to your table any night of the week.