One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken – Pudge Factor

Introduction

One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts in a creamy sauce filled with the fresh, aromatic flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. This easy-to-make dish requires only one pot, making it a perfect choice for a comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup. The creamy sauce is indulgent yet balanced, with the perfect blend of Italian-inspired ingredients to elevate your chicken to a whole new level. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.

I remember the first time I made this dish for a cozy weeknight dinner. The rich aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes filled the kitchen, and the creamy sauce coated the chicken perfectly. My family couldn’t get enough of it, and everyone was asking for seconds! What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make with just one pot, which means less time spent cleaning up afterward. The flavors are bold yet comforting, and it’s the perfect way to elevate a simple chicken dinner into something special. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a casual gathering, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Family meals
  • Date night dinners
  • Chicken lovers
  • Italian-inspired meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken will become a go-to in your recipe collection:

  • Creamy Sauce: The rich, velvety sauce brings a luxurious feel to the dish, without being overwhelming.
  • Simple Ingredients: This dish uses easily accessible ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
  • One Pot Wonder: No need for multiple pans—everything is made in one pot, saving time on both cooking and cleanup.
  • Flavorful: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasonings creates a flavor-packed dish that will please everyone.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to your preferences, whether that means adding extra veggies, different herbs, or spices.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 7g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Breasts: The star protein of this dish, providing a tender and juicy base for the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bring a tangy, umami-packed punch to the dish, balancing the creaminess with their deep flavor.
  • Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild, earthy flavor to complement the richness of the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch that adds depth and a salty, savory flavor to the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides the savory base of the sauce, adding flavor without being too heavy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken:

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  2. Add the Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.

Finish the Dish:

  1. Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
  2. Add the Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
  3. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Add the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to heat through and absorb the sauce.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.

How to Serve

One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

  • Over Pasta: Serve the creamy chicken over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne, to soak up the rich sauce.
  • With Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a comforting and hearty meal.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers to add color and extra nutrition.
  • With Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread to dip into the creamy sauce.
  • On a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the creamy chicken over a bed of fresh greens and veggies for a Tuscan-inspired salad.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken turns out perfectly:

  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken breasts tender and juicy, be sure not to overcook them. Use a meat thermometer if you need to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or water.
  • Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down beautifully and adds a vibrant green color to the dish. Avoid frozen spinach, as it can release too much water.
  • Customize the Flavors: Feel free to add extra herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano for more flavor.
  • Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat in your creamy sauce.

Recipe Variations

Here are 5 variations you can try for One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken:

  • One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
  • One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Broccoli: Stir in some steamed broccoli for added nutrition and color.
  • One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes: Add jarred or canned artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.
  • One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Zucchini Noodles: Serve the creamy chicken over spiralized zucchini for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
  • One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Bread Crumbs: Top with crispy garlic breadcrumbs for added crunch and texture.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: You can freeze the creamy Tuscan chicken for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken easier:

  • Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A wide pan ensures even cooking and enough space for the chicken and sauce.
  • Meat Thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the chicken and ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring the sauce and scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
  2. Can I make this dairy-free?
    Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
  3. Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
    Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra flavor and texture.
  4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella or Asiago, but Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor.
  5. Can I make this ahead of time?
    While the chicken is best made fresh, you can prepare the creamy sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat and add the cooked chicken when ready to serve.
Print

One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken – Pudge Factor

  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Breasts: The star protein of this dish, providing a tender and juicy base for the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bring a tangy, umami-packed punch to the dish, balancing the creaminess with their deep flavor.
  • Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild, earthy flavor to complement the richness of the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch that adds depth and a salty, savory flavor to the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides the savory base of the sauce, adding flavor without being too heavy.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  2. Add the Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.

Finish the Dish:

  1. Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
  2. Add the Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
  3. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Add the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to heat through and absorb the sauce.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: 400-450
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Protein: 35g

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, a rich cream sauce, and a blend of fresh ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfectly complements the chicken, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken offers a satisfying and flavorful experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

I’d love to see how your One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!