Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts are a creamy, savory, and comforting dish bursting with Italian-inspired flavors. This recipe features tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for dinner guests, pairing beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breastssalt and pepperolive oilgarliconionItalian seasoningspinachsun-dried tomatoesheavy creamParmesan cheesechicken broth

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant.

Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 35 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.

Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra texture and flavor.

Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Substitute kale for spinach if preferred.

Top with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw and drain it well before adding to the sauce.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in fat, making it suitable for keto diets.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives, but the flavor will change.

What side dishes go best with Tuscan chicken?

Try pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and reheat in the oven before serving.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time to ensure it cooks through.

Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?

Yes, just simmer the chicken in the sauce until cooked through.

Is the sauce thick or thin?

The sauce is rich and creamy but not overly thick, ideal for spooning over sides.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of white wine can add depth to the flavor.

Do I need to cover the skillet in the oven?

No, bake uncovered so the sauce can thicken and the top browns slightly.

Conclusion

Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts bring bold, creamy flavors to your table in a dish that feels both hearty and elegant. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this versatile recipe can be paired with your favorite sides for a satisfying, memorable meal.

Print
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Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich Tuscan-style creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan—an easy, elegant one‑pan dinner.


Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  •  cup chopped sun‑dried tomatoes
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chopped fresh spinach
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp reserved oil from sun‑dried tomatoes
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (205 °C).
  2. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Whisk heavy cream, garlic, cornstarch, Parmesan, sun‑dried tomatoes, and spinach in a bowl.
  4. Spread a bit of the sauce in a 9×13″ baking dish; place chicken on top, then pour remaining sauce around.
  5. Drizzle reserved oil from sun‑dried tomatoes over chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella.
  6. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until chicken registers 165 °F internally.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pounding chicken ensures even cooking and juiciness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to hit 165 °F internal temp.
  • Frozen spinach works—just thaw and squeeze dry.
  • Leftovers store in fridge 3–4 days; freeze up to 3 months.