As soon as I stumbled upon this recipe, I had a hunch it would be fantastic. And it certainly was! So tasty!.

 

Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken

As soon as I stumbled upon this recipe, I had a hunch it would be fantastic. And it certainly was! So tasty!

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Introduction

Sometimes, you come across a recipe that just clicks instantly — like it was meant to be your next favorite meal. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I tried this Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken. It’s rich, comforting, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make.

This dish is a perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce, infused with sun-dried tomatoes, earthy spinach, and a splash of cream and Parmesan. The Tuscan-inspired flavors make it feel fancy, but it’s totally doable on a weeknight.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table.

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

• Flavor-packed: Garlic butter, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese create layers of rich flavor.

• Simple ingredients: Easily sourced pantry staples and fresh veggies.

• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup, with everything cooked in one skillet.

• Customizable: Add mushrooms, herbs, or swap chicken for shrimp or pork chops.

• Perfect for any meal: Dinner, meal prep, or special occasions.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and roughly chopped)

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra depth)

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Tongs or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Knife and cutting board

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Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels — dry chicken sears better and gets a beautiful golden crust.

Mix salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.

Add chicken breasts carefully. Sear for about 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

Once cooked, transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

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Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for another 2 minutes, allowing their flavors to infuse the oil and aromatics.

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Step 4: Add Spinach and Liquids

Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted.

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth (or wine). Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.

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Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce thicken, about 3–5 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

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Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.

Spoon sauce over the chicken. Simmer for another 2 minutes to marry the flavors and ensure chicken is warmed through.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pasta: Tossed with fettuccine, linguine, or penne.

• Rice or Quinoa: Soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.

• Mashed potatoes: For a hearty comfort meal.

• Crusty bread: Perfect for sopping up sauce.

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Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking.

• Don’t skip searing; it builds flavor and texture.

• If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream.

• For lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

• For extra richness, add a splash of white wine when adding broth.

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Variations to Try

• Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced cremini or button mushrooms when sautéing onions.

• Heat Seekers: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

• Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops. Cook just until opaque.

• Cheese Upgrade: Stir in goat cheese or cream cheese for tangier sauce.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and double veggies — zucchini, bell peppers, or artichokes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare chicken and sauce separately. Reheat gently on stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat covered in microwave or stovetop.

Can I freeze it?

Freeze sauce separately. Chicken can be frozen but may lose texture. Defrost overnight in fridge.

What’s the best way to reheat?

Slowly reheat on low heat, stirring sauce occasionally to prevent curdling.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 550

• Protein: 45g

• Fat: 38g

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Fiber: 1g

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The Backstory: Why This Recipe Became a Favorite

I first stumbled on this recipe when looking for a quick, comforting meal that didn’t require a ton of prep but still felt indulgent. The combination of garlic butter with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach sounded irresistible.

The first bite confirmed my hunch — tender chicken swimming in a creamy, garlicky sauce with bursts of tomato sweetness and fresh herb aroma. Each forkful was balanced, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Since then, this dish has become a staple in my kitchen, showing up for busy weeknights and special dinners alike. I often get asked for the recipe because it tastes like it took hours, but really comes together in about 30 minutes.

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Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken hits all the right notes: it’s easy enough for a quick dinner yet elegant enough for guests. The recipe’s versatility means you can tweak it to your liking, experiment with ingredients, and make it your own.

If you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll be just as hooked as I am.

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Ready to cook? Here’s your full recipe in one place:

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth or white wine

• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. Heat oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes each side until golden and cooked. Remove and tent with foil.

3. In same pan, sauté garlic and onions 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, cook 2 minutes.

5. Stir in spinach until wilted.

6. Pour in cream and broth, simmer.

7. Mix in Parmesan and Italian seasoning.

8. Return chicken to pan, coat in sauce, warm 2 minutes.

9. Garnish and serve.