One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe because it feels like a little slice of Italy right in your own kitchen — all without a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. When I first tried this, I was hooked on how the tender chicken soaks up the creamy, garlicky sauce speckled with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s not just delicious; it’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is easy enough for a weeknight.

You’ll find that this One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe works perfectly when you want a comforting dinner that looks impressive but doesn’t require complicated steps. The secret sauce is creamy and savory with just the right tanginess from the sun-dried tomatoes, making every bite cozy and satisfying. Plus, using only one pan means less cleanup — which I’m always grateful for!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together beautifully for a rich and balanced dish. I recommend looking for good-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and freshly grated Parmesan — they really deepen the flavors.

• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a tender bite, so don’t skip the softening step.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the aroma and flavor; definitely use fresh cloves here.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed): These give a tangy, chewy burst of umami — drain but don’t rinse to keep that rich oil flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a nutty depth; pre-grated works too in a pinch.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Butterflying them helps them cook evenly and faster.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that make a huge difference in taste.
• Olive oil: Use good-quality olive oil for searing; it contributes to that delicious crust on the chicken.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the dish together with classic Tuscan flavors.
• Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of color; it wilts down nicely and blends into the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that makes this dish so comforting.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to play around with the flavors or swap ingredients to suit your mood or dietary needs.

• Vegetable swaps: I sometimes add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra texture and flavor; they soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Dairy-free version: I’ve tried using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option — still creamy but with a subtle twist.
• Spicy kick: For those who like heat, sprinkling a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauce step adds awesome complexity.
• Using chicken thighs: Dark meat stays juicy and flavorful so swapping the breasts for boneless thighs works perfectly — just adjust cooking time.

How to Make One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally — this technique, called butterflying, helps them cook evenly and quickly. Pat them dry with paper towels to get a nice, golden sear. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning is key because it lays the foundation for all those beautiful flavors to come.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half the chicken pieces in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan!) and cook about 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. You want a crusty sear but the inside will still be undercooked — that’s perfect because it will finish cooking later in the sauce. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, add any remaining olive oil if your pan looks dry, then toss in the diced onion. Cook until softened and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, stirring until fragrant — usually around 30 seconds to a minute. Then, add the baby spinach in handfuls, stirring until just wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. This layering of flavors is where this One-Pan Tuscan Chicken really starts to shine.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, along with the remaining salt. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift up those tasty browned bits. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then nestle the chicken back into the sauce along with any juices from the plate. Let it cook gently, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through — about 4 to 7 minutes. When your instant-read thermometer hits 165ºF, you’re golden!

How to Serve One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra freshly grated Parmesan and some chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving to brighten things up and add a pop of color. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a nice zing that cuts through the creaminess.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that luxurious sauce. Sometimes, I serve it with a simple side of roasted vegetables or even over a bed of buttered pasta for extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta, then drizzle the sauce around it like a restaurant would. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens adds a beautiful, elegant touch that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep wonderfully for up to 3 days. The sauce actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have mingled even more — just make sure to reheat gently to keep the chicken moist.

Freezing

If I make a big batch, I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Though the cream sauce can thicken after freezing, gently reheating with a splash of milk or broth brings it back to silky perfection.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently. If the sauce seems too thick, I add a little heavy cream or chicken broth to loosen it up without losing that creamy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my weekly rotation because it’s reliably delicious, doesn’t take forever, and feels like a little celebration on your plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s the kind of recipe that makes you look forward to dinner without stress or fuss. Give it a try and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to favorites too!

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