There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts filling your kitchen. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a hint of garlic. It’s an elegant dinner that feels fancy but is easy enough for a weeknight.
I first tried a version of this recipe at a small Italian restaurant during a family vacation. The rich, savory flavors stayed with me, and I couldn’t wait to recreate it at home. Now it’s a go-to meal whenever I want to impress guests or treat my family to something special.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Get ready to add this recipe to your rotation of family favorites. This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts dish is as comforting as it is easy to make.
1. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare. Despite the luxurious flavors, this dish comes together in under an hour. Most of that time is hands-off as the chicken bakes in the oven.
2. It’s a one-pan wonder. With minimal dishes to wash, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table without a kitchen disaster.
3. Packed with bold flavors. The combination of creamy Parmesan sauce, garlicky sun-dried tomatoes, and sautéed spinach ensures every bite is unforgettable.
4. Customizable and family-friendly. Picky eaters? No problem. You can easily swap or omit ingredients to suit everyone’s taste.
Ready to dive into the details? Let’s look at what makes this dish so special.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential.
1. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the star of the dish, providing a lean and juicy protein base. Be sure to pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
2. Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed with tangy, concentrated flavor, they add a pop of brightness to the creamy sauce. Opt for oil-packed tomatoes for extra richness.
3. Fresh spinach: Sautéed spinach not only adds vibrant color but also balances the richness of the sauce. Baby spinach works best for its tender texture.
4. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese: These create the luscious, creamy sauce that ties everything together. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
5. Garlic and Italian seasoning: These pantry staples enhance the Tuscan-inspired flavors, adding warmth and depth.
Finally, you’ll need a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish to make this meal truly seamless.
How to Make Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts
Making this Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
Step 1: Prep the chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If they’re very thick, slice them in half or pound them out for even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the chicken. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the sauce. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a minute before adding heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add spinach. Toss in fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
Step 5: Bake to perfection. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The result? Perfectly cooked chicken surrounded by a creamy, savory sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Storage Options
This dish is perfect for meal prep or saving leftovers. Here’s how to store it for later.
Refrigeration: Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
1. Swap the protein: Try this recipe with boneless chicken thighs, pork chops, or even salmon for a different take.
2. Add more veggies: Mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers make excellent additions to the sauce.
3. Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap out the Parmesan for a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
4. Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
5. Go gluten-free: Serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes instead of pasta.
Feel free to experiment and make this dish uniquely yours!
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. With its bold flavors, creamy texture, and endless customization options, it’s a dish that hits all the right notes. Give it a try this week and see for yourself – you’ll love every bite!
PrintBaked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe
This baked Tuscan chicken breasts recipe features tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. Perfect for an easy dinner, it's a crowd-pleaser packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: dinner
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over them.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
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