Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts are a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish made with juicy chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and a rich parmesan cream sauce. This recipe combines rustic Italian flavors into a hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. It’s low-carb, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare in one pan.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breastssalt and pepperolive oilgarlic (minced)sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)spinach (fresh or frozen)heavy creamparmesan cheese (grated)Italian seasoningpaprika
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Transfer to the baking dish.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute, then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted.
Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated parmesan cheese. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesSearing time: 6 minutesBaking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
Use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra texture.
Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed cauliflower for a complete meal.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work best for flavor and texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it is naturally low in carbs and suitable for a keto diet.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.
Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?
Yes, cover and simmer the chicken in the sauce until fully cooked.
What’s a good side dish for this?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad pair well.
Do I have to sear the chicken first?
Searing adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Don’t overbake, and always rest the chicken after cooking.
Can I use pre-shredded parmesan?
Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
Conclusion
Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts bring the bold, creamy flavors of Italian cuisine to your table with minimal effort. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cream sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether served with a side or on its own, it’s sure to become a dinner favorite.
PrintBaked Tuscan Chicken Breasts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts is a creamy, savory dish made with juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted.
- (Optional) Mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce to thicken.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
- Use thin chicken breasts or pound them to even thickness for even cooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
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