Tuscan Chicken
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy garlic and sun-dried tomato sauce with wilted baby spinach. This rustic Italian-American classic brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table in just over 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the chicken cutlets.
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets of even thickness. Pat completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
TIPEven thickness ensures all cutlets finish cooking at the same time. Pound gently with a rolling pin if needed. - fry · ~8 min
Sear the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the cutlets in the hot pan and sear until deeply golden on the first side, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook the second side until firm and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
TIPThe chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid moving the cutlets for the first 2 minutes for a perfect crust. - saute · ~4 min
Build the garlic and tomato base.
1.Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.2.Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and diced fresh tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften, about 3 minutes.TIPScrape up the browned bits from the pan bottom — they dissolve into the sauce and add deep flavor. - simmer · ~3 min
Create the creamy sauce.
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to bubble gently. Let it simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
TIPKeep the heat at a gentle simmer — boiling can split the cream sauce. - simmer · ~3 min
Add spinach and return the chicken.
Add the baby spinach in handfuls, stirring gently until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Return the seared chicken cutlets to the pan and spoon sauce over them. Simmer everything together for 1 minute to reheat the chicken.
- garnish
Garnish with torn basil and serve.
Scatter fresh basil leaves over the chicken and sauce. Serve immediately with crusty bread or pasta.
TIPTear the basil by hand instead of chopping — it prevents the edges from darkening.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pound chicken cutlets to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- 2Pat chicken very dry before searing to ensure a deep golden crust.
- 3Do not crowd the pan; sear in batches if needed for proper browning.
- 4Scrape up browned bits from the pan after searing — they enrich the sauce.
- 5Simmer the cream sauce gently; high heat can cause it to separate.
- 6Add spinach in handfuls, stirring until just wilted to retain its bright color.
- 7Tear basil by hand just before serving to avoid bruising and browning.
Adapt it for your goals.
Lighter cream sauce
Replace half the heavy cream with chicken broth or milk, and thicken with a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp cold water. This cuts calories while keeping the sauce velvety.
high proteinHigh-protein
Substitute chicken breast with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more forgiving meat that stays tender even with slightly longer simmering.
vegetarianVegetarian
Swap the chicken for thick slices of pan-seared portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Follow the same searing steps to build flavor, and the creamy sauce complements them beautifully.
gluten freeGluten-free
Ensure the Parmesan is certified gluten-free (some brands use anti-caking agents with wheat starch). Serve with gluten-free pasta or rice instead of crusty bread.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein, which supports muscle repair and satiety.
Vitamin K from Spinach
The generous amount of baby spinach contributes vitamin K, important for blood clotting and bone health.
Antioxidants from Tomatoes
Both sun-dried and fresh tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced inflammation.
Calcium from Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan adds a good amount of calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less luxurious. To mimic creaminess, add a tablespoon of butter or a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) while simmering.
