If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, creamy flavors with a burst of vibrant freshness, this Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is just what you need. Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts coated with a Parmesan crust swim in a luscious sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach, creating a meal that tastes like it belongs in a cozy Italian trattoria. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet bring together an amazing collection of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the fragrant Italian seasoning to the creamy Parmesan and fresh spinach, making every bite memorable.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lightly pounded for even cooking and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a classic herb blend that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used for dredging the chicken to create a golden crust.
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Combined with flour for a savory coating.
- 2 tablespoons European-style butter: For cooking the chicken with a rich buttery flavor.
- ¼ cup European-style butter: Added later to build the creamy sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
- 8.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes: Rinsed and drained to add a tangy, sweet punch.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce perfectly.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth, rich sauce.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds flavor and balances the creaminess.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Stirred into the sauce for extra cheesy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Enhances the sauce with herbal notes.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Lends subtle heat and depth.
- 1 cup baby spinach (chopped): Provides vibrant color and a fresh contrast in flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh garnish.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your lightly pounded chicken breasts on both sides with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Next, mix the all-purpose flour and freshly grated Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl. Dredge each chicken breast in this mixture, which will give the chicken a deliciously crisp and savory crust once cooked.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Warm your skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of European-style butter. Cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate and cover it with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Start the Sauce
Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining ¼ cup butter. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavorful browned bits left in the pan—this is where the magic begins. Toss in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until fragrant for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Whisk in a tablespoon of flour to the pan to thicken the sauce, letting it cook for roughly a minute. Then slowly whisk in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, stirring until everything combines into a rich and silky sauce.
Step 6: Add the Spinach and Simmer
Stir the chopped baby spinach into the sauce and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce thicken just a bit and watch the spinach wilt, adding vibrant greens and freshness to your dish.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and allow everything to simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This finishing touch frees the flavors to mingle perfectly before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you’d like an extra burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice for garnishing this dish, adding a bright, herbaceous finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top can also add that final touch of indulgence that makes this dish so irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Tuscan Chicken pairs wonderfully with a fluffy bed of garlic mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a simple side of buttered pasta to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad offer a nice counterpoint to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve each chicken breast on a platter topped with the sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce, then sprinkle fresh herbs across the plate. You can also plate it with spiraled zucchini noodles for a lighter, vibrant look that still embraces the Tuscan vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it down before refrigerating to maintain the quality of the sauce and chicken.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although the creamy sauce’s texture might change slightly. Store the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on low heat in a skillet or microwave to keep the chicken juicy and avoid separating the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its silken texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to be even more tender and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they can take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or even diced cherry tomatoes can add a fresh tomato flavor, though the distinctive sweet-tangy note might be milder.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan for that cheesy depth.
How spicy is this Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe?
This dish is mild with no added heat, making it perfect for all taste preferences. If you want a subtle kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes added during sauce preparation works beautifully.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can season and dredge the chicken breasts a few hours ahead of time, covering them tightly and refrigerating until ready to cook. The sauce is best made fresh but can be reheated with the chicken as described.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe feels like giving yourself a little culinary hug. It’s comforting, flavorful, and impressively simple to make. Whether it becomes your go-to cozy dinner or your special occasion star, this recipe is sure to delight and make any mealtime a moment to savor. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
