Authentic Tuscan Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Discover the authentic Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes. This creamy, protein-packed dish features tender chicken breasts, vibrant spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes in a garlic-parmesan sauce that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Recipe Quick Facts

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best served: Immediately

Why This Tuscan Chicken Recipe Works

This classic Italian-inspired dish combines the rich umami of sun-dried tomatoes with the earthy freshness of spinach and the delicate flavor of chicken. The magic happens when you create a creamy sauce using chicken broth, garlic, and parmesan cheese that binds all the ingredients together without heavy cream. Professional chefs rely on this technique to achieve that signature creamy tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach texture while keeping the dish relatively light.

Essential Ingredients Explained

The quality of your ingredients makes all the difference in this authentic tuscan chicken recipe. Here's what you need and why each component matters:

• Chicken breasts (1.5 lbs): Boneless, skinless breasts work best for quick cooking. Pound to even thickness for consistent results.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup): Oil-packed provide better flavor and texture than dry-packed. Drain excess oil before chopping.
• Fresh spinach (5 oz): Adds color, nutrients, and balances the rich sauce. Frozen spinach works in a pinch but yields a different texture.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): Use low-sodium to control salt content. Homemade broth enhances flavor significantly.
• Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates the signature creamy texture. For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Fresh minced garlic provides essential aromatic foundation.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that defines Mediterranean flavor profiles.
• Grated parmesan (½ cup): Adds umami depth. Freshly grated melts better than pre-grated.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): For searing chicken and building flavor base.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these professional techniques for perfect tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach cooking time every time:

1. Prepare chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. This dry surface ensures proper searing.
2. Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove and set aside.
3. Build flavor base: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits for maximum flavor.
4. Create sauce: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, remaining Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add spinach: Fold in spinach and cook until just wilted (about 2 minutes). Overcooking makes spinach bitter.
6. Finish dish: Return chicken to skillet, add parmesan, and simmer 2-3 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding these context boundaries ensures success with your easy tuscan chicken recipe with sun-dried tomatoes:

• Overcooking chicken: Remove from heat at 160°F as carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough.
• Using pre-grated parmesan: The anti-caking agents prevent proper melting. Freshly grated parmesan creates a smooth sauce.
• Adding spinach too early: Adding spinach before the sauce has reduced properly makes the dish watery.
• Skipping the sear: Proper browning creates fond (browned bits) that forms the flavor foundation when deglazed.
• Using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes: These require rehydration and often result in inconsistent texture compared to oil-packed.

Authentic Ingredient Variations Comparison

Ingredient	Traditional Tuscan Approach	Modern Adaptation	When to Use
Sun-dried tomatoes	Tomatoes dried in sun on rooftops	Oil-packed commercial variety	Modern adaptation offers consistent quality and year-round availability
Cream	Rarely used in authentic Tuscan cooking	Heavy cream for creamy texture	Cream creates American-Italian restaurant style; omit for traditional version
Spinach	Wild greens (cavolo nero)	Cultivated spinach	Spinach provides consistent texture; wild greens offer more bitter profile
Chicken	Rabbit or game birds	Boneless chicken breasts	Chicken breasts are more accessible; traditional proteins require specialty markets

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:

• Pasta: Toss with 8 oz cooked fettuccine for a complete meal (ideal for tuscan chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes variation)
• Potatoes: Roasted baby potatoes absorb the delicious sauce
• Bread: Crusty Italian bread for soaking up every bit of sauce
• Wine: Medium-bodied red like Chianti or crisp white like Vermentino

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery and separate the sauce. For best results when meal prepping, keep components separate and combine when reheating.

Dietary Adaptations

Customize this creamy tuscan chicken recipe for various dietary needs:

• Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free (verify chicken broth ingredients)
• Dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit parmesan (use nutritional yeast for umami)
• Lower calorie: Replace heavy cream with evaporated milk and reduce oil to 1 tbsp
• Keto-friendly: Increase healthy fats with additional olive oil and serve over zucchini noodles

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach in Tuscan chicken recipe?

Yes, but squeeze out all excess water after thawing to prevent a watery sauce. Fresh spinach yields better texture and flavor, but frozen works in a pinch. Use about 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained, to replace 5 oz fresh.

What's the best pan for making Tuscan chicken?

A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron skillet works best for proper searing. Non-stick pans won't create the fond (browned bits) essential for flavor development. The 12-inch size provides enough surface area for even cooking without overcrowding.

How can I make Tuscan chicken without cream?

Create creaminess by reducing chicken broth with minced sun-dried tomatoes and finishing with grated parmesan. The natural pectin in tomatoes and emulsifying properties of cheese create a velvety texture without dairy. Add 1 tbsp butter at the end for richness.

Why is my Tuscan chicken sauce thin?

The sauce needs proper reduction time. Simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes after adding cream to thicken. If still thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and whisk into simmering sauce. Over-dilution from wet spinach or insufficient reduction are common causes.