🔥 Tuscan Chicken Recipes for Flavor Lovers

Tuscan chicken, a delicious American dish, brings Italy’s flavors into your home. It’s loved by many families across America. This recipe lets you explore Tuscany’s tastes, using ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and a creamy sauce. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that your taste buds will adore.

Key Takeaways

• Tuscan chicken is a popular American dish that originated from the Olive Garden restaurant chain.
• The recipe typically includes ingredients like chicken breasts, tomatoes, spinach, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
• The recipe can be modified to be healthier by substituting cream with evaporated milk and cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
• Preparation time for the recipe is 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes, and serves 4 people.
• Brining the chicken breasts in a salt and garlic powder mixture helps keep them juicy and tender.

What is Tuscan Chicken?

Tuscan Chicken is a creamy one-pot meal with chicken in a thick garlic cream sauce. It’s flavored with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian spices, and spinach. This mix gives it a taste of Tuscany. Even though it’s not truly Tuscan, it’s full of mouthwatering flavors. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner at home.

A Creamy, Flavorful One-Pot Meal

This tuscan chicken is made of juicy chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce. It’s enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian spices. The end result is a creamy chicken that’s not just comforting but also flavorful.

Inspired by Tuscan Cuisine

This one-pot chicken recipe isn’t fully traditional Tuscan. But it captures Tuscany’s flavors and stylish food, making it a great tuscan-inspired cuisine choice. Using sun-dried tomatoes, Italian spices, and spinach makes it a flavorful chicken treat.

Packed with Delicious Flavors

What makes this Tuscan Chicken special is its mix of flavors. The creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian spices blend perfectly. It’s a meal that’s rich, tasty, and leaving you wanting more of this tuscan chicken joy.

4 Tuscan Chicken Recipes: Easy, Simple & Fast

Tuscan chicken is a flavorful and hearty dish inspired by the rustic cuisine of Tuscany, Italy. It’s typically made with chicken, creamy sauces, and a variety of vegetables and herbs. Here are four easy, simple, and fast Tuscan chicken recipes that you can try at home.

Classic Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Time Required: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.

Step 5: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then stir in the spinach until it wilts.

Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve.

Tip: Serve over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Time Required: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.

Step 6: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then stir in the spinach until it wilts.

Step 7: Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 8: Serve immediately.

Tip: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra cheesy finish.

Tuscan Chicken Skillet

Time Required: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.

Step 5: Add the cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir in the spinach until it wilts.

Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the sauce and vegetables over them. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve hot.

Tip: Pair with a side of roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tuscan Chicken Soup

Time Required: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and cannellini beans. Bring to a boil.

Step 6: Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the spinach, dried basil, and dried oregano.

Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 8: Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Tip: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

The Tuscan Sauce

The creamy garlic sauce is the highlight of the Tuscan Chicken dish. It’s made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and more. This sauce is full of flavor and makes the meal feel special. It blends the tastes of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning into a creamy delight.

Rich and Creamy

The tuscan sauce gets its creaminess from a lot of heavy cream. Parmesan cheese adds to its rich taste. It’s a sauce that feels indulgent yet balanced. Together with the chicken, it makes a dish that everybody will love.

Substitutes for Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich, intense tomato taste to Tuscan Chicken. If you run out, fresh plum tomatoes can be a good replacement. Use 10 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped, for every ounce of sun-dried tomatoes. This keeps the dish’s unique flavor alive.

Fresh Plum Tomatoes as an Alternative

If fresh plums are out too, canned tomatoes can step in. Replace 1/4 cup of sun-dried with 3/4 cup of canned. This swap maintains the dish’s tomato flavor focus.

Making your own sun-dried tomatoes is another option. Slice and deseed fresh tomatoes. Season with salt and dry in the oven for 1-2 hours at 275°F. These homemade versions are less salty and taste closer to fresh tomatoes.

For other options, roasted bell peppers and tamarind paste are great choices. Use 1/4 teaspoon of tamarind paste or chopped pecans. These add a special touch to the recipe.

What to Serve with Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Tuscan Chicken goes well with many side dishes. You can pick classic options or add something new. There’s a lot of tasty choices to explore.

Pasta: A Classic Pairing

The creamy sauce in Tuscan Chicken pairs perfectly with pasta. Choose from penne, rigatoni, or linguine. It makes for a warm and delicious meal.

Garlic Bread: Perfect for Soaking Up the Sauce

Freshly baked garlic bread is a must with Tuscan Chicken. Its crunchy, garlic taste absorbs the sauce well. This makes sure you enjoy every single bite.

Rice or Cauliflower Rice Options

Rice or cauliflower rice are great for pairing with the dish. They let the sauce’s flavor stand out and add to the meal’s heartiness. They’re also good for those watching their carbs.

Zucchini Noodles for a Low-Carb Option

Zoodles are perfect if you want to eat fewer carbs. They’re light and healthful, letting you savor the dish guilt-free. It’s a tasty low-carb option.

Make-Ahead Tips

Making Tuscan Chicken in advance is a smart move for busy nights. You can make the creamy garlic sauce early and store it in the fridge. Just reheat the sauce over medium heat and mix in the chicken when it’s time for dinner. This make-ahead approach means a tasty dish with little work.

Prepare the Sauce in Advance

For more ease, you can prepare the creamy garlic sauce in advance. Make the sauce, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s dinner time, reheat the sauce gently. Then, add the chicken to blend the flavors.

Refrigerate and Reheat

Refrigerating the sauce and warming it up later makes dinner prep easy. You’ll have flavorful Tuscan Chicken ready when you are, without the rush. It’s a great option for those hectic weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any tuscan chicken leftovers, it’s key to store them correctly. Put the chicken and sauce in a sealed container and cool it within 2 hours of cooking. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When heating it again, mix it well to keep the cream from clumping.

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat the leftovers is on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure it’s fully heated before eating. It’s best to avoid the microwave for tuscan chicken. The sauce might heat up more than the chicken, making it tough and dry.

tuscan chicken recipe

Juicy Chicken in a Creamy Sauce

The Tuscan Chicken recipe packs juicy chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce. It’s filled with the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. This dish is both comforting and full of taste.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Italian Seasoning

A mix of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary makes up the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning blend. These ingredients work together to create a rich and aromatic sauce. It pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.

One-Pan Delight

This Tuscan Chicken meal needs only one pan to make. It’s a simple and quick option for any night of the week. Combining easy preparation with delicious flavors, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To make Tuscan Chicken, just follow these steps:

Seasoning the Chicken

Start by seasoning chicken with mix of Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. This combo includes oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary. It will make your tuscan chicken recipe instructions taste truly Tuscan.

Cooking the Chicken

Use a skillet on medium-high to brown the seasoned chicken. The browning seals in the flavor and juices. Once golden, set the chicken aside.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet till golden. Add sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, broth, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk it till it becomes a creamy sauce.

Finishing Touches

Put the chicken back in the sauce and simmer. This blends all the flavors perfectly. Add baby spinach last, letting it wilt. Top with extra Parmesan and serve hot.

Nutritional Information

A single serving of this tuscan chicken recipe contains:

This tuscan chicken dish is both tasty and healthy. It brings a good mix of protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates. Key ingredients like chicken breast, sundried tomatoes, and spinach are rich in macros, calories, and nutritional value.

Serving Suggestions

Tuscan Chicken goes well with many foods. It’s especially good with pasta since its creamy sauce melds with the starch. Try it with wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a tasty meal.

Pair with Pasta

Tuscan Chicken and pasta go hand in hand. The sauce sticks wonderfully to classic shapes like penne and linguine. You can also use zucchini noodles for a healthier option.

Side Dish Ideas

There are many sides that work with Tuscan Chicken. Try garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad. If you want a bigger meal, consider mashed potatoes or rice.

Conclusion

This Tuscan Chicken recipe is perfect for those who love great taste. It brings together moist chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs. The result is a dish full of comfort and bold flavors. It’s great with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, making it perfect for any meal time.

It includes tips for preparing ahead and how to store leftovers. This makes it easy to enjoy Tuscan flavors any day. The recipe is for anyone who wants a delicious, hassle-free meal. Just follow the steps and serving suggestions for an amazing dining experience.

This dish shows that simple, top-notch ingredients can make an outstanding dish. It’s ideal for both experienced cooks and newcomers to Italian cooking. Let this recipe introduce you to Tuscany’s tastes. Make it a regular on your menu for a truly flavorful experience.