Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (thinly sliced); 2 cups baby spinach; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

There's something truly comforting about a dish that brings creamy, savory, and vibrant flavors all in one pan. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe hits all those notes, making dinner feel a little more special without any fuss. Let me walk you through making it just right!

A white pan holds four light golden cooked chicken pieces, partially covered with a thick, creamy orange sauce that fills the bottom of the pan. Mixed in the sauce are dark green spinach leaves and bright red sun-dried tomato strips scattered across the dish. The chicken pieces are smooth with some black pepper seasoning visible on top. The pan sits on a grey cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love making this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe because it’s such a satisfying weeknight meal that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. The sauce is rich, silky, and stellar for pairing with just about anything.

Simple Yet Flavorful: The combination of Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic creates layers of taste that feel indulgent but remain approachable for any skill level.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, cutting down on both prep and cleanup—win for your busy evenings!
Creamy Goodness: That luscious sauce made with heavy cream and parmesan makes each bite cozy and irresistible.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add veggies based on what you have on hand, meaning no pressure to stray from your routine.

The dish shows four cooked chicken pieces in an oval white pan filled with a thick yellow-orange creamy sauce mixed with dark green spinach leaves and red sun-dried tomato strips scattered all over. The chicken pieces have a light golden brown color with black seasoning spots on top. The sauce looks smooth and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly. The pan sits on a gray cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a role in building those rich, savory flavors balanced with freshness. Here's a quick peek at why I love using what I do:

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts with smooth pink flesh, a small mound of mixed dried Italian herbs including oregano and rosemary, a few coarse granules of kosher salt, a small pile of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden extra virgin olive oil, four whole uncracked garlic cloves with creamy white papery skins, a small white bowl of finely chopped yellow onion with translucent edges, a small white bowl holding thinly sliced deep red sun-dried tomatoes, a neat bundle of fresh vibrant green baby spinach leaves, a small white bowl filled with thick creamy white heavy cream, and a small white bowl piled with finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese—all arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Easy to cook evenly and soak up the creamy sauce, plus quick to sear to a golden finish.
Italian Seasoning: Adds aromatic herbs like oregano and basil without any extra effort—always a go-to for Italian-inspired dishes.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning essentials that bring out the natural flavors.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that ensures great searing and depth of flavor.
Garlic: Minced for that punch of savory warmth that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and a lovely base aroma when sautéed.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Deliver a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor—it’s like sunshine for your skillet.
Baby Spinach: Brings bright, fresh notes and just a hint of earthiness while blending seamlessly into the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Creates that silky, indulgent texture that ties everything together in the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory umami richness and helps thicken the sauce as it melts.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve tweaked it based on what’s in the fridge or to fit dietary needs, and you can do the same!

Variation: I sometimes swap out spinach for kale for an earthier bite and a bit more texture — just sauté it until tender. It works wonderfully and adds a nice nutrient boost.
Dairy-Free Option: To keep the creaminess without heavy cream, I’ve used coconut cream with a touch of nutritional yeast instead of parmesan — it’s different but still decadent.
Add Some Heat: If you like a little kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. It wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Mushroom Lovers: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions for an earthy twist that pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken breasts a good seasoning. I like to sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly across both sides, then salt and pepper them well. This simple seasoning blend really sets the foundation for the flavors to come. If you want, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help it sear nicely.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The goal here is a golden crust—not fully cooked through yet. Resist the urge to move them around too much; trust me, they’ll release easily once they're ready to flip. After searing, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. We’ll finish cooking them in the sauce later.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base with Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and starts to become translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for another minute until fragrant and those sun-kissed tomatoes begin to release their flavor into the pan.

Step 4: Add Greens and Cream for That Signature Sauce

Next, toss in the baby spinach leaves and sauté for about a minute until just wilted—it’s important not to overcook so they remain vibrant and fresh. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle your freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top. Give everything a gentle stir, bringing the sauce to a simmer. Here’s where the magic happens—the sauce thickens up and becomes beautifully creamy.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This finishes cooking the chicken while allowing it to soak up that flavorful, creamy sauce. A meat thermometer can come in handy here; chicken is perfectly done at 165°F (75°C).

Top Tip

Over the years, I've realized that searing the chicken well at the start is the secret to getting that beautiful texture and deep flavor. Plus, don’t rush the sauce simmer—letting it thicken gradually means it won’t be too runny and the flavors meld like a dream.

Patience with Searing: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken—this ensures a golden crust and helps the chicken release easily.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
Don’t Overcook Spinach: Adding it at the end keeps it vibrant and prevents it from turning mushy.
Check Your Heat: If the sauce bubbles too aggressively, turn down the heat to avoid a grainy texture and to keep cream smooth.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves. It adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the creamy sauce and looks so inviting. A few curls of extra parmesan on top never hurt either!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes or a simple buttery pasta. I've also served it alongside crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of that luscious sauce—and honestly, it’s hard to resist.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve plated the chicken on a bed of creamy risotto and garnished with roasted cherry tomatoes. It feels restaurant-quality but comes together just as quickly. A drizzle of balsamic glaze around the plate makes it pop visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so I recommend reheating gently and stirring in a splash of milk or cream to bring back that luscious texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe before, but since the sauce is cream-based, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. Freeze the chicken in airtight bags and the sauce in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to avoid separation.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low to medium heat, adding a little cream or milk if the sauce feels too thick or grainy. This way, the dish gently warms while the sauce regains its creamy consistency without curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well and give a slightly juicier, more tender result. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Keep in mind this will change the taste slightly, but it’s still delicious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Cook the chicken but finish heating it in the sauce right before serving to keep everything fresh and creamy. The sauce itself can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

What should I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe?

Great sides include garlic mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, rice, or crusty bread. A crisp green salad also balances the richness of the dish well.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to meals whenever I want something that feels both luxurious and effortless. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel proud serving it to family or friends, yet it’s totally doable even on a busy weeknight. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your new favorite comfort dinner just like it did for me!