There’s something special about a meal that feels indulgent yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken fits that description perfectly. With tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
The first time I made this, I served it over mashed potatoes, and it was pure comfort in every bite. The buttery sauce soaks into the sides, and the blend of garlic, cream, and parmesan makes it impossible to resist. Plus, it all comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup—always a win in my book.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines rustic Italian flavors with a creamy twist, making it both comforting and elegant. The garlic butter sauce clings to every bite of juicy chicken, while sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add freshness and color. It’s quick, versatile, and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even roasted vegetables. Perfect for a family meal or a special dinner date at home.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken – A Restaurant-Style Dinner at Home
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the sauce. Cook until the spinach wilts.
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the creamy sauce over it. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for the heavy cream.
- You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. When seared to a golden crust, they stay juicy and flavorful inside.
Butter – The base of the rich sauce, giving it that signature velvety texture and deep flavor.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and warmth.
Heavy cream – Creates the creamy foundation for the sauce, balancing the garlic and parmesan perfectly.
Parmesan cheese – Adds saltiness and a nutty depth that thickens the sauce naturally.
Sun-dried tomatoes – Sweet, tangy, and slightly chewy, they bring authentic Tuscan flavor to the dish.
Spinach – Fresh baby spinach wilts into the sauce, adding color, nutrition, and a light bitterness that balances the creaminess.
Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken and adds a subtle fruitiness to the overall flavor profile.
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that enhances the Tuscan feel of the dish.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Chicken broth – Adds depth and keeps the sauce light enough to pour beautifully over sides.
Directions
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, melt a little more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir briefly to release their flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the creamy mixture over the top, and let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Serve hot with your favorite sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the sauce may separate.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Addition
Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy depth of flavor.
Spicy Tuscan Twist
Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a touch of heat.
Dairy-Free Option
Use coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Lemon-Garlic Flavor
Add a splash of lemon juice or zest for a fresh, zesty lift.
Herb Lover’s Mix
Enhance with extra fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic boost.
Tomato Cream Fusion
Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer, red-tinted sauce.
White Wine Elegance
Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream for extra depth.
Veggie Boost
Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
Crispy Chicken Option
Bread the chicken lightly in flour before searing for a crisp outer texture.
Pasta Ready
Serve the chicken and sauce over fettuccine or penne for a complete Italian-style meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well, but add a bit of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
What sides go best with Tuscan chicken?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered pasta are perfect options.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the cream may separate slightly. Reheat gently and stir well.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes or add more parmesan.
Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft are a good substitute.
How do I prevent overcooked chicken?
Sear over medium heat and remove once it reaches 165°F internally.
Can I make this low-carb?
Yes, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely, crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory layer of flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken is the kind of dish that feels like a restaurant treat but is simple enough for any home cook. The rich, velvety sauce paired with perfectly seared chicken and bursts of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and spinach make this recipe unforgettable. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular favorite at your dinner table. Whether for weeknights or special occasions, this Tuscan-inspired masterpiece will impress every time.
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