Let’s be real—some nights, dinner feels like a chore. You’re hungry, tired, and the last thing you want to do is juggle a million ingredients or wait an hour to eat. That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet. It’s rich, comforting, packed with flavor, and—yes, really—ready in just 15 minutes.
Inspired by the creamy, dreamy dishes from the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany, this skillet dinner brings restaurant vibes right to your kitchen table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, it’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday.
Let’s dive in—because this one’s too good to wait on.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
Quick Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: Approx. 420
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy skillet magic happen:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thin cut or pounded flat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Mushrooms for an earthy twist
- Artichoke hearts if you want more Mediterranean flavor
- A handful of kale instead of spinach
Equipment Needed
Nothing fancy required here—just the basics:
- Large skillet or frying pan (preferably non-stick or cast iron)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Detailed Steps)
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Before you even heat up the stove, let’s get your chicken ready. Start by laying your chicken breasts out on a cutting board. If they’re super thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally or gently pounding them with a meat mallet. The goal here is even thickness—this helps them cook faster and more evenly.
Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning. This pre-seasoning adds flavor to the chicken itself, not just the sauce.
Let it sit while you prep the other ingredients. Chop your garlic, halve your cherry tomatoes, and drain those sun-dried tomatoes. Having everything ready at your fingertips is what makes this recipe super quick.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Time to get sizzling. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. The combo of oil and butter gives you the perfect golden crust and adds flavor depth.
Once hot, place your chicken in the skillet (don’t overcrowd—do two at a time if necessary). Let it sear undisturbed for about 3–4 minutes per side. You want a nice golden crust—crispy outside, juicy inside.
Once cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F), transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with foil to keep warm.
Pro Tip: Don’t wipe the skillet! All those golden bits (aka fond) at the bottom are pure flavor gold.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and toss in your garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Don’t let it burn! Burnt garlic = bitter sauce = sad dinner.
Next, add in your cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Let them soften and blister a little, about 2–3 minutes. The cherry tomatoes will release a bit of juice, adding a natural sweetness to balance the richness.
Now, stir in your Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give it a little taste. That aroma? That’s your tastebuds doing a happy dance already.
Step 4: Make It Creamy & Dreamy
It’s sauce time, baby.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift up all those delicious browned bits. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
Now, slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the cream and create a luscious, velvety sauce. Stir continuously to make sure everything blends smoothly. Let it simmer for about 3–4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Then, toss in the spinach and stir until just wilted. It’ll shrink down quickly and add a pop of green.
If the sauce gets too thick, just splash in a little more broth or cream to loosen it up.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Time to reunite the chicken with the sauce.
Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors marry and warm the chicken through.
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil (if you have it) and maybe an extra pinch of Parmesan for good measure.
You did it! You just made creamy Tuscan chicken magic in 15 minutes flat.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Want it dairy-free? Swap heavy cream for unsweetened coconut cream and skip the Parmesan.
- Lower calorie version? Use half-and-half and reduce the cheese slightly.
- Spice it up: A little smoked paprika or cayenne takes the flavor up a notch.
- Meal prep tip: This reheats beautifully for up to 3 days—just store in an airtight container.
- Serving a crowd? Double the sauce and serve over pasta or rice.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | 36g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Tuscan chicken is rich and flavorful, so keep the sides simple:
- Serve it with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles
- Steamed rice
- Roasted veggies
- Crusty bread (to soak up that sauce!)
- Drink pairings:
- A crisp glass of Chardonnay
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Light red wine like Pinot Noir
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time—they might need a minute or two longer per side.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge and reheat gently over low heat. The sauce may thicken, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs. Just double-check labels if you’re strict keto.
Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, but it still tastes great. Reheat slowly while stirring.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can skip them or substitute with roasted red peppers for a similar punch of flavor.
Conclusion
And there you have it—your new go-to weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but takes barely any time. This 15-Minute Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is everything we love in one dish: fast, easy, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Trust me—once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Join the Conversation
Have you made this creamy Tuscan chicken yet? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below, share your tweaks or additions, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—#MySkilletDinner
Let’s make weeknight dinners something to look forward to. 🍽️💛
