Tuscan Chicken Recipe

I love finding easy dinner ideas that feel special, especially during a busy week.

This creamy tuscan chicken recipe starts with a delicious sear on the chicken, which creates crispy edges, and finishes with a vibrant, glossy sauce that smells incredible. It’s a high-protein meal without a lot of cleanup. We’re taking the classic creamy chicken and spinach dish and adding a unique smoky twist by incorporating roasted red peppers and paprika into the sauce.

This one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup while maximizing satisfaction. This quick tuscan chicken recipe is designed for busy parents and home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without the fuss. The rich sauce and tender chicken are perfect served over pasta or rice for a complete family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

• 700 g (1.5 lbs) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
  Use boneless, skinless breasts for a leaner protein source or thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
  Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with a paper towel before searing to ensure a golden-brown crust.
  Cut larger breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets for faster cooking.
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) Olive Oil
  Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil as the base for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
  Avoid using butter for the sear, as olive oil has a higher smoke point that prevents burning at higher temperatures.
  You can substitute avocado oil if preferred for searing at medium-high heat.
• Aromatics and Flavor Base
  1 small onion, finely diced
  4 cloves garlic, minced; 120 g (4 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and roughly chopped; 10 g (2 tsp) smoked paprika; 5 g (1 tsp) dried oregano; 2 g (0.5 tsp) sea salt and 1 g (0.25 tsp) black pepper, or to taste.
• The Creamy Sauce Components
  240 ml (1 cup) vegetable broth (I often use chicken broth here for deeper flavor)
  240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
  200 g (7 oz) jarred roasted red peppers, drained and puréed; 60 g (0.5 cup) finely grated Parmesan cheese (use microbial rennet for halal certification).
• Finishing Touches
  150 g (5 oz) fresh spinach; 15 g (0.25 cup) fresh parsley, chopped; additional smoked paprika for dusting.

These simple ingredients combine to create a deeply flavored tuscan chicken recipe that is perfect for healthy eating.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
   Pat the chicken dry and season generously with sea salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika, ensuring all surfaces are covered.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
   Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for safety, then remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tenting it with foil to rest.
2. Build the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Base
   Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
   Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, remaining 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and dried oregano; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this adds significant flavor to the sauce).
3. Simmer and Thicken the Tuscan Sauce
   Bring the broth mixture to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and the pureed roasted red peppers.
   Return the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens to a glossy, vibrant orange-red consistency.
   If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of additional broth or heavy cream to adjust the consistency. This quick tuscan chicken recipe provides a healthy and flavorful meal.
4. Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
   Stir in the fresh spinach, cooking until just wilted, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes.
   Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
   This prevents the cheese from clumping or separating from the cream sauce.
5. Combine and Serve
   Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the rich sauce and spooning the sauce generously over the chicken to coat.
   Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and absorb the flavors from the sauce.
   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a light dusting of smoked paprika over the chicken and sauce.

What to Serve with This Tuscan Chicken Recipe

This creamy, flavorful chicken dish pairs well with many side dishes. The rich sauce benefits from either something to soak it up or a fresh vegetable side to cut through the richness.

• Creamy Pasta: Wide noodles like pappardelle or fettuccine are excellent choices for soaking up the vibrant red pepper cream sauce.
• Crusty Bread: A simple loaf of French or Italian bread is perfect for dipping and ensuring none of the sauce goes to waste.
• Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, and salt, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for a hearty side dish.
• Simple Rice Pilaf: A light, fluffy rice pilaf with herbs provides a neutral base that complements the rich sauce.
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: A fresh green vegetable side adds texture and balances the richness of the cream sauce.

Quick Tips for Making the Best Tuscan Chicken Sauce

• Aromatics First: Don’t rush the process of cooking the onions and garlic; ensuring they are tender and fragrant builds the essential flavor base for the sauce.
• High-Quality Roasted Peppers: The quality of the jarred roasted red peppers directly impacts the sauce’s flavor; choose a brand without added sugars or excessive salt.
• Adjusting Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, create a quick slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water and stir it in slowly while simmering.
• Flavor Intensifiers: For even deeper flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth, or deglaze with a splash of additional broth before adding the main liquid.
• Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Wilt the spinach at the very end to prevent it from turning dark and mushy; remove from heat as soon as it’s just soft.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are excellent for this tuscan chicken recipe as they stay juicy and tender in the sauce; the cooking time will be similar. Thighs offer more flavor and hold up better when reheating. They are great for a high-protein meal prep option.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats very well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture and consistency to the tuscan chicken recipe.

Can I make this dish without heavy cream?

To lighten the sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the final texture will be thinner. To compensate, make a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water and add it slowly while simmering. This keeps it a low-carb meal option with less fat.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing creamy sauces can cause the cream to separate upon thawing, resulting in a grainy texture. It is best to enjoy this tuscan chicken recipe fresh or refrigerated within 3 days. Freezing is generally not recommended for best results.

How do I get a good sear on the chicken?

Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken, and pat the chicken completely dry with a paper towel first. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary. I find that giving each piece of chicken enough space in the pan is crucial for achieving a deep golden crust.

Can I add other ingredients to this sauce?

Yes, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or Kalamata olives are all great additions that fit the Tuscan flavor profile. You can enhance the depth of this tuscan chicken recipe further by stirring in other ingredients that match the overall flavor profile.

Conclusion

This smoky, creamy tuscan chicken recipe is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. It’s a quick, family-friendly dish that offers a gourmet twist on an old classic. Try making this easy weeknight meal this week, and don’t forget to save this recipe for later on Pinterest!

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