Creamy Tuscan Italian Chicken Recipe

This Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe is an easy, one-pan weeknight dinner everyone will love! Pan-seared chicken breasts are nestled in creamy garlic, basil, tomato, and spinach sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese.

Best Creamy Tuscan Italian Chicken

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, look no further than a creamy Tuscan Italian chicken recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breast, aromatic onions, garlic, juicy tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese bursting with the flavors of fresh basil. A hint of garlic and a splash of lemon juice elevate the dish, creating a harmonious balance of creamy and tangy notes. This hearty meal promises great flavors and offers the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal, making it a standout for any occasion. 

This recipe is a spin-on of the classic Italian Florentine sauce made from white wine, spinach, and cream. It was one of my favorite foods on my last trip to Italy in Tuscany. I added a twist to adding sun-dried tomatoes because they enhance flavor so much, and it is all worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food at Its Best

This creamy Tuscan Italian chicken is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for when you need a meal that feels like a warm hug. The creamy sauce and tender chicken provide a sense of indulgence and coziness, ideal for unwinding after a long day or enjoying a lazy weekend dinner.

Quick and Easy

Despite its gourmet flavor, creamy Italian chicken is surprisingly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking.

Versatile and Customizable

This creamy Tuscan Italian chicken is highly adaptable to your taste and dietary preferences. You can easily add your favorite vegetables, swap out the chicken for another protein, or adjust the seasonings to suit your palate. The flexibility of this dish allows you to get creative and make it uniquely yours.

Leftovers Are a Treat

Creamy Italian chicken makes for excellent leftovers. The flavors deepen overnight, making the dish even more flavorful the next day. It’s perfect for meal prepping, ensuring you have a tasty, homemade lunch or dinner ready.

There are a few ways you can make the Tuscan sauce – with fresh cherry tomatoes, diced tomatoes from the can, sun-dried tomatoes, and dairy or dairy-free. I’m using sun-dried tomatoes for this version since they have a deeper, bolder flavor that makes this dish pop. And going classic using dairy. But you tweak to your liking!

Ingredients for Creamy Italian Chicken

Here are the ingredients, plus a few substitution ideas:

• Chicken: This dish is typically made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but I love using chicken thighs for more flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Use easy-to-find Italian seasoning or spices such as oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary. I only used fresh basil in this recipe, which is perfect!
• Tomatoes: You can use fresh tomatoes, diced, or cherry tomatoes.
• Garlic and Onion: Use garlic for more flavor! For onions, you can use white, yellow, or shallots.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: You can use jarred or dried tomatoes. Before using them, soak or cook them in water, which you can then add to the sauce. 
• Spinach: Use fresh spinach. Add as much as you like!
• Heavy Cream: Traditionally, dairy-based heavy cream is used for the sauce, but dairy-free options also exist. You can use cashew cream or a can of coconut cream (not to be confused with coconut milk).
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan or freshly grated Parmesan is the best choice here. Nutritional yeast mimics a cheesy, nutty flavor for a dairy-free option.

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Start soaking or cooking sun-dried tomatoes in a small saucepan. seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sautéing the Aromatics

 Add the chopped onion and sauté in the same hot skillet for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

Creating Cream Sauce

Add the halved cherry tomatoes (or diced tomatoes) and soaked sundried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Adding the Chicken and Basil

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let them simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add the chopped basil and squeeze in the juice of one lemon and lemon zest, stirring to combine. The lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty note that balances the richness of the cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the creamy Italian chicken over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this dish, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy richness.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Cheese: For an extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle some mozzarella on top and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Herbs: Substitute or add other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Chicken

Over Pasta

Classic and Filling: Serve your creamy Italian chicken over a bed of pasta. Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work beautifully to soak up the rich, creamy sauce. Cook the pasta al dente, drain, and toss it lightly with a bit of olive oil before plating the chicken and sauce on top. This creates a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for pasta lovers.

With Rice

Light and Versatile: For a gluten-free option, serve the creamy chicken over rice. White, brown, or even wild rice makes a great base. The rice will absorb the delicious sauce, providing a comforting and filling dish. For added flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water when cooking the rice.

With Mashed Potatoes

Comfort Food Heaven: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to this dish. Their smooth texture and buttery flavor complement the richness of the chicken and sauce.

With Crusty Bread

Rustic and Simple: Serve the creamy Italian chicken with slices of crusty bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce and adds a rustic touch to the meal. Choose a fresh baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough for the best results.

Over Polenta

Italian Twist: Polenta, with its creamy and slightly sweet flavor, pairs wonderfully with the creamy chicken. Cook the polenta per the package instructions, then spoon the chicken and sauce over it. This unique Italian twist adds a different texture to the meal.

With a Side Salad

Fresh and Light: Balance the richness of the dish with a light, fresh side salad. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad complements the creamy chicken beautifully. The fresh greens add a crisp contrast to the dish’s creamy texture.

With Steamed Vegetables

Healthy and Colorful: For a healthier option, serve the creamy Italian chicken with a side of steamed vegetables. Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or a mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers and carrots add nutrition and make the plate visually appealing.

With Zoodles

Low-Carb Option: If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, serve the chicken over zucchini noodles (zoodles). The light and fresh zoodles pair well with the rich sauce and provide a satisfying, guilt-free option.

Garnishing Tips

• Fresh Basil: Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil on top before serving to enhance the herbaceous notes of the dish.
• Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a savory touch.
• Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest can bring a fresh, bright flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Family Style: Serve the chicken and sauce in a large dish, allowing everyone to help themselves. This creates a communal, cozy dining experience.
• Plated Individually: For a more formal presentation, plate each serving individually, garnishing with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

Storage Instructions for Creamy Italian Chicken

Let the dish cool to room temperature to store creamy Italian chicken before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Place it in a freezer-safe container for longer storage and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.

This Creamy Tuscan Italian chicken is a delightful dish full of Italian flavors that combines the best of Italian cuisine with the comfort of a home-cooked meal. Its rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken make it an irresistible choice for any dinner occasion, and it is a restaurant-worthy dish.  Whether aiming to impress guests or treat yourself to a delicious meal, this simple Tuscan chicken recipe will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating this dish and savor every bite of the comforting, creamy goodness it offers.

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