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Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Best One-Pan Dinner

creamy tuscan chicken skillet - featured image

This creamy Tuscan chicken skillet comes together in one pan, uses simple ingredients, and tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian spot. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without demanding hours of your time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. If they’re thick, cover them with plastic wrap and pound them to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them sit for 5 minutes while you heat the pan.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  3. Start the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once it melts, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Build the creamy base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  5. Add the Parmesan and seasonings: Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan while stirring continuously. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in handfuls. Stir gently as it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Don’t overcook the spinach—you want it just wilted, not mushy.
  7. Return the chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of each piece. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear on the chicken—it adds layers of flavor. Watch your heat: medium-high for searing, then medium for the sauce, then low for the final simmer to prevent curdling. Grate your own Parmesan for smooth melting. Have all ingredients prepped before starting as the dish moves fast. Let the chicken rest after searing to keep juices inside. Always taste the sauce before adding extra salt as Parmesan and broth are naturally salty.

Nutrition

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