If you want a dinner that feels fancy but is secretly easy, this creamy Tuscan garlic chicken is it. You get golden seared chicken cutlets, then you whisk up a silky garlic-parmesan sauce right in the same pan. Spinach wilts into the sauce, sun dried tomatoes add a sweet-tangy pop, and suddenly your kitchen smells like a cozy Italian restaurant.
This creamy Tuscan garlic chicken is a true weeknight hero because it’s done fast, uses simple ingredients, and has that “everyone asks for the recipe” vibe. It’s also perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes—basically anything that can soak up the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
- Ultimate comfort food: Creamy garlic sauce + tender chicken = cozy dinner perfection.
- Better than restaurant: Rich sauce, hot from the pan, and extra cheesy if you want.
- One-pan cleanup: Fewer dishes, more relaxing evenings.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Creamy, savory flavors that picky eaters usually love.
- Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat nicely with a splash of broth.
Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Chicken
- Thin chicken cutlets (1 1/2 pounds): Thin pieces cook quickly and stay juicy. If yours are thick, gently pound them flatter.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps you get a golden sear without sticking.
- Salt (to taste): Makes everything taste more alive.
Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce silky and rich. (Half-and-half can work, but it won’t be as thick.)
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce and adds savory depth. Low-sodium is great so you can control salt.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Easy garlic flavor in every bite. (You can also add 1–2 minced garlic cloves if you want.)
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Little blend of herbs that screams Tuscan.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Thickens the sauce and adds salty, nutty flavor. Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Spinach, chopped (1 cup): Wilts fast and adds color and freshness.
- Sun dried tomatoes, drained and julienned (1/2 cup): Sweet-tangy flavor and that classic Tuscan look.
Helpful aside: If your sun dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them well (save a teaspoon of the oil for extra flavor if you’d like).
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe Step-by-Step
- 1. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Season chicken cutlets lightly with salt, then cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- 2. Whisk the creamy sauce: In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), whisk in heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan. Keep whisking over medium-high heat until the sauce starts to thicken, about 4–5 minutes.
- 3. Add the Tuscan veggies: Stir in chopped spinach and sun dried tomatoes. Simmer 1–2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the sauce looks glossy.
- 4. Combine and serve: Add the chicken back to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Warm 1 minute, then serve right away. If it looks too thick, whisk in a splash of broth until it’s silky.
Trust me, don’t skip the whisking step. It’s what keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
- Use thin cutlets: They cook quickly and stay tender.
- Grate parmesan fresh: It melts smoother and makes the sauce creamy (not grainy).
- Don’t boil the sauce hard: A gentle simmer keeps it silky.
- Thin as needed: A splash of broth turns too thick into perfect.
- Taste before salting: Parmesan adds saltiness.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms after the chicken, then make the sauce.
- Add heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes is amazing here.
- Lighter sauce: Use half-and-half (expect a thinner sauce).
- Extra herbs: Finish with basil or parsley.
- Pasta night: Toss cooked pasta directly into the sauce for a one-pan pasta moment.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Creamy sauces can change texture when frozen, but you can freeze this up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly while whisking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Simple salad with lemon dressing
- Crusty bread to mop up the pan
Reader Review: I made this on a busy night and it tasted like a restaurant meal. The sauce was so creamy and everyone went back for seconds.
If you make this creamy Tuscan garlic chicken, leave a rating and comment. Are you serving it over pasta or mashed potatoes?