There’s something magical about the combination of creamy flavors, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken breasts that makes this Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe irresistible. As the rich aroma fills your kitchen, you'll find it hard to wait for the first bite.
I first discovered this recipe on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I wanted a hearty, comforting meal without spending hours cooking. Now, it’s my go-to dish for dinner parties and family dinners alike. Ready to try it for yourself? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight dinner rotation. This recipe checks all the boxes for a meal that’s easy to prepare yet delivers maximum flavor.
First, it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. In under an hour, you’ll have a meal that looks (and tastes) like it came straight out of a gourmet restaurant.
Another reason to love this dish? It’s packed with bold, satisfying flavors. The creamy garlic sauce pairs perfectly with the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creating a symphony of flavors with every bite.
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring! This recipe uses lean chicken breasts and wholesome ingredients, making it a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Lastly, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or impressing guests, its versatility means you can serve it with pasta, rice, or even a fresh green salad.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk about what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. To ensure even cooking, choose pieces that are similar in size or lightly pound them to an even thickness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add a sweet-tangy burst of flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, as they are softer and more flavorful.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works best, as it wilts beautifully into the sauce. Frozen spinach can be used in a pinch—just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
Heavy Cream: The base of the luscious sauce, heavy cream gives the dish its rich texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be as thick.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. It melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a nutty, savory note.
You’ll also need staples like garlic, olive oil, and a few seasonings to round out the flavor. Don’t forget a large oven-safe skillet to take this dish from stovetop to oven with ease!
How To Make This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Making this dish is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You’re not cooking them through just yet—this step locks in the juices and adds a nice crust. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Toss in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the sauce. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and transfer the entire skillet to the oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F/74°C internal temperature). The sauce will be bubbly and slightly thickened, coating the chicken perfectly. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish!
Storage Options
This dish is just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Place leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Swap the Protein: Try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even turkey cutlets for a different take on this dish.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts are all delicious additions to the creamy sauce.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to adapt based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts recipe is guaranteed to deliver. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold flavors will leave everyone at the table raving. Enjoy!
PrintBaked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Savor this flavorful baked Tuscan chicken breasts recipe with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners and easy meal prep, this one-pan dish delivers delicious Italian-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, then pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
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