Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish packed with Italian flavors. Tender chicken breasts are baked in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining. The combination of cream and herbs gives it a luxurious, restaurant-quality feel with minimal effort.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breastssalt and pepperolive oilgarlicclovespinach (fresh or frozen and thawed)sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)heavy creamParmesan cheesedried Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, thyme)chicken broth (optional for thinning the sauce)
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesSearing time: 8 minutesBaking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 43 minutes
Variations
Add mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist.
Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a saltier bite.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce separating upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it a day in advance and bake just before serving.
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of making my own?
You can, but homemade gives better flavor control and freshness.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in fat, making it great for keto diets.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
What side dishes pair well with Tuscan Chicken?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread work perfectly to soak up the sauce.
Can I add cheese on top while baking?
Absolutely, mozzarella or provolone melted on top is delicious.
Conclusion
Baked Tuscan Chicken brings bold flavors and creamy comfort to your dinner table with little fuss. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this dish delivers a rich, satisfying meal with simple ingredients. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.
PrintBaked Tuscan Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Baked Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and a rich parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until combined and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Optional: Mix cornstarch and water into a slurry and stir into the sauce to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and transfer to the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Serve hot with your choice of side.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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