Tuscan Chicken in Parmesan Cheese Sauce is a creamy, tender and delicious meal. Packed with spinach, two kinds of tomatoes, a splash of heavy cream turns this simple recipe into something fantastic! Bonus – you can make this chicken dinner recipe in one pan in about 30 minutes — restaurant quality!
This delicious Parmesan Tuscan chicken recipes is very much like Olive Garden Tuscan Chicken. This golden browned chicken is so buttery and delicious – the perfect balance to the seasoned chicken. Finish this dish with baby spinach and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese in a luscious creamy sauce.
Never be bored again with your chicken dinner when you venture out and try new recipes. Try these variations on a plain old chicken dinner night. Marinade your chicken with the Best Marinade for Chicken, or maybe Crock Pot Butter Chicken sounds good tonight.
No matter the poultry meal you choose, pair it with a fresh veggie side like my Air Fryer Asparagus or some Roasted Brussel Sprouts, and you have a fantastic and tasty weeknight or weekend meal.
Why You Will Love This Parmesan Tuscan Chicken Recipes
- The Seasoning | Adding Italian seasoning to the chicken along with salt & pepper allows it to sear in the flavor and adds to the creation of the sauce.
- The Sauce | Oooh, the sauce is creamy, buttery delicious, with bits of the browned chicken from the pan, no cream cheese like many recipes.
- Easy Weeknight Meal | Beautifully planned, this meal is easy enough for busy weeknights.
- Quick Clean-Up | Since it is a One-Pot Meal, the clean-up is super simple, again perfect for busy nights.
Keto Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is naturally low carb and keto with rich cheese, heavy cream, olive oil and delicious veggies, this will be fast, low carb, go-to meal!
Simple Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and instructions are in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Olive Oil | EVOO is the best olive oil to use. When a product is labeled this way, you know it is made under strict regulations, ensuring the best flavor for your chicken dinner.
- Chicken Breasts | I like boneless skinless chicken breasts for this dish, but you can absolutely use chicken thighs. Add about 20-30 minutes to the cooking time when using bone-in chicken.
- Seasonings | Use kosher salt and pepper along with oregano for delicious and simple flavors.
- Shallots | These are optional, but add amazing flavor.
- Butter | The butter infuses the parmesan sauce and adds to the savory flavor.
- Garlic | Garlic adds that depth of flavor that compliments the dish.
- Tomatoes | Did you know these fruits contain lycopene which helps the cells repair from damage. And, they are so good! Use fresh cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes | You can use the dry packed sun-dried tomatoes or the oil packed sun-dried tomatoes. See below for instructions on using the dried version.
- Baby Spinach | Fresh baby spinach is my go-to, but in a pinch, I will pull a box of frozen spinach out. Just be sure to defrost and squeeze the excess water out.
- Heavy Cream | I use heavy cream for this recipe, but you can substitute it with half-and-half. I do not recommend whole milk as it tends to break up when in this recipe.
- Parmesan | Fresh grated parmesan melts better than pre-grated cheeses which have anti-caking agents that will hinder the melting process. And fresh grated looks so pretty as a garnish for the top of this creamy parmesan sauce.
How to make Parmesan Tuscan Chicken Recipes
Step 1 | Brown the Chicken
Getting a good brown coating on the seasoned chicken breasts is essential; that is one of the reasons I like using a cast-iron skillet. Here is how I do it.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. (I love my Staub Everything pan, but a cast iron skillet works great too)
While the pan is heating, using a paper towel, pat the chicken dry, then season each piece of chicken with the salt and pepper and the oregano, no oregano? Use Italian seasoning instead.
Once the pan and oil are heated, add the chicken pieces. It should take about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Then remove the chicken from the pan, tenting with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Step 2 | Make the Sauce
Making creamy chicken recipes is easier than you may imagine. Take the pan the chicken was cooked in and over medium heat, melt butter as you scrape all the good bits off the bottom of the pan.
Next, add the shallots and cook for a a couple of minutes, adding the garlic during the last minute. Then add in the two kinds of tomatoes and give it a little sprinkle of salt and pepper.
When the tomatoes begin to burst, you will know they are done. Add the fresh spinach into the same pan and stir until wilted.
Reduce the heat to medium-low heat pour in the heavy cream and the parmesan cheese and stir gently as you bring the sauce to a nice simmer, then reduce the heat and thicken the sauce.
Step 3 | Finishing the Dish
Put the chicken back into the pan with all the yummy sauce and cook for another few minutes. You are really just warming the chicken through.
Voila! You are done. This easy chicken dinner is best served at once. You can garnish the plates with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or a wedge of lemon and some fresh basil.
What to serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken?
- I like to serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or your favorite pasta. You can use zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option – the Tuscan sauce makes them taste so good!
- Pair it with one of my favorite salads for added veggies and a hearty serving of homemade croutons.
- Add a slice of cheesy garlic bread to the plate and perhaps a glass of wine!
Variations & Substitutions
As if this easy recipe is not creamy or delicious enough, here are a few additions I like to use to change it up when they are in season.
- Asparagus | washed, trimmed and chopped into bite size pieces
- Broccolini or Broccoli | chopped small, this becomes a vibrant addition
- Kale or Swiss Chard | Remove the heavy stems and cut into ribbons, if using kale, rub it with a little olive oil to soften it up slightly, tossing in when you would the spinach.
- Mushrooms | Before you add the garlic to the butter, saute sliced mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until soften and golden.
- Peas | Toss fresh or frozen peas in to the mixture
- Artichoke Hearts | Either brined or marinated will work great here, quarter hearts before tossing into the creamy Tuscan sauce.
- Add in some heat | Add some spicy mustard, Red Pepper flakes, or red chili powder will do the trick.
- Keto-friendly mashed | Serve this creamy Tuscan garlic chicken over cauliflower mash or roasted cauliflower instead of a starch.
Recommended Equipment
- Cast Iron Pan or Heavy Bottomed Pan | This is by far my favorite Staub Everything pan, but for a slightly smaller pan, I love this Lodge Cast Iron too!
- Otherwise, I am sure you have liquid measuring cups, measuring spoons and a wooden spoon too!
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftover Tuscan chicken, I highly doubt, store them in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3 days.
Reheating Tips
When reheating this parmesan creamy chicken, the sauce may begin to curdle. Most of the time, you can just give the sauce a good stir, and it will reconstitute. Also, you can try adding a bit of cream to help the sauce along or even a bit of chicken broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tuscany or the Tuscan region is in Central Italy, this region is known for foods that are rich with sun ripened tomatoes, spinach, and heavy cream, which are the three primary ingredients used to make this meal.
Check the doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the chicken in the thickest part. Cook until it reaches 165 degrees, this is the most accurate way of checking. You can always cook chicken a little longer if underdone but you cannot un-cook over cooked chicken!
Yes, you sure can. I recommend soaking them unless they are already soft and plump.
If they are really dry, in a saucepan, boil water and remove it from the burner. Then add the sun-dried tomatoes to soak for approximately 10 minutes. Then drain and use.
Good news! This creamy Parmesan Tuscan chicken recipes is naturally gluten-free. As long as you shred your own cheese.
Tips for Two
This is an ideal recipe for two; you can either make the full recipe, which makes enough for 4 servings and that way you have lunch or dinner for another night using leftover Tuscan chicken or simple use the toggle under servings on the recipe card below and adjust it to two servings.
More Recipes you will love!
- Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Penne alla Vodka | The Best Vodka Sauce Recipe
- Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup
- Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta
TOP TIP
Be careful not to crowd the pan! Cook the chicken in batches and refresh your oil with each batch if needed, so each piece of juicy chicken gets that golden-brown crust.
I sure hope you loved making this creamy Parmesan Tuscan chicken recipes, tastes just like a restaurant only better and cheaper!
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One Pan Tuscan Chicken in Parmesan Cream Sauce
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Print Pin Save RateIngredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small shallot minced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (or grape tomatoes)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- ¼-½ cup sun-dried tomatoes dry or oil-packed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan fresh grated
- lemon wedges for serving (optional)
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a heavy bottomed skillet (cast iron is my favorite here) over medium heat, add oil and heat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then sprinkle chicken on both sides with salt and pepper and oregano, then add to a hot pan, cooking until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness of breasts. Remove from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add shallot and brown for a few minutes, add garlic and cook for one minute or until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes and season with a little salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally until tomatoes are beginning to burst, then stir in baby spinach and stir until it begins to wilt.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer until sauce is thickened and slightly reduced. Return chicken to skillet, nestling in the sauce and cook until heated through, another 5 minutes or so should do it.
- We love serving this delicious dish over mashed potatoes, pasta and zoodles, with a little of the Tuscan cream sauce spooned over the top. A side of garlic bread and your favorite red wine tops off this meal!
- If desired, serve with a lemon wedge and a little fresh basil.
Notes
- I like to put it over fluffy mashed potatoes or pasta. You can use zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option – the Tuscan sauce makes them taste so good!
- Pair it with one of my favorite salads for added veggies and a hearty serving of homemade croutons.
- Add a slice of cheesy garlic bread to the plate and perhaps a glass of wine!
- Or serve with your favorite pasta.
- Asparagus | washed, trimmed and chopped into bite size pieces
- Broccolini or Broccoli | chopped small
- Kale or Swiss Chard | Remove the heavy stems and cut into ribbons, tossing in when you would the spinach.
- Mushrooms | Before you add the garlic to the butter, saute sliced mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until soften and golden.
- Peas | Toss fresh or frozen peas in to the mixture
- Artichoke Hearts | Either brined or marinated will work great here, cut whole hearts into quarters before tossing into the creamy Tuscan sauce.
- Add in some heat | Add Red Pepper flakes or spicy mustard
- Keto-friendly mashed | Serve this creamy Tuscan garlic chicken over cauliflower mash or roasted cauliflower instead of a starch.
Nutrition
Fantastic recipe and so easy to make
Thank you so much, Maggie!!
As I expected, my husband loved this and even told me to save the recipe. That’s a WIN!
It IS a WIN! Thanks for letting me know Zoe, I so appreciate you!
I’m making this for dinner tonight! I already KNOW it is a 5-star meal!
Kathleen, you have thought of every little thing possible to include with this recipe.
Well Done!
Thank you so much Zoe, it’s one of our favorites! So appreciate you!
This recipe is delicious and so flavorful – I made it for guests and they loved it. My daughter in college likes it so much she cooks it for herself.
Love hearing your college daughter is making it too!
What a delicious looking dinner recipe. So creamy. Thanks for sharing
You are most welcome!
My go-to recipe. I make this at least once a week!
YAY!
We had this chicken for dinner last night and my whole family loved it! We will be making it often!
Love hearing that Tayler, thank you so much!
I love how versatile this recipe is! It’s a perfect fit for my family! So delicious!
It really is!
LOVE that this is made in one pan! Delish and easy!
One pan meals are the best aren’t they!
Gosh this chicken looks so creamy, tender and delish! I have to try this out on a week night soon!
I hope you do and LOVE IT!
This chicken dish just looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
You are so welcome!
I love one pan meals, and this one is a favorite here! When I made this for dinner last week, the whole family raved about it!
YAY! Thanks for your kind words!
You had me at 1 pan! I love an easy cleanup. I think I’ll serve these with some angel hair pasta. What a yummy dish that’s packed with flavor.
Perfect with Angel hair pasta!!
Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it did not disappoint! Quick, easy and delicious; perfect for busy weeknights!
Love hearing that Sara, thank you!
I’m only one cup of coffee in this morning and you’ve already got me salivating for dinner! This Tuscan chicken is definitely going on my menu planning for an easy weeknight meal. Pinned!
Haha, it’s so very delicious!