Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; 600g chicken thighs; 3 cloves garlic, crushed; ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes, finely sliced; 1 Tbsp Italian herbs; 1 cup chicken stock; 1 cup baby spinach; ½ cup cream; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (70g)

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If you’re looking for a dish that wraps up comforting creaminess with vibrant flavors, then the Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is going to become a fast favorite. This recipe brings together tender chicken thighs simmered with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes bursting with tang, and bright spinach, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s utterly irresistible. Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or impressing guests without fuss. The harmony of textures and colors makes this dish both beautiful and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows raw ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Three pieces of raw chicken with smooth pink skin sit in a white rectangular baking dish with a dark rim at the top left corner. To the right, a transparent glass bowl is filled with fresh bright green spinach leaves. Above the spinach is a small clear bowl filled with shredded pale yellow cheese. Below the chicken, a sprig of fresh green rosemary lies beside a small white bowl holding mixed dried herbs. Next to it, three garlic cloves with their papery skins rest on the surface. Above the garlic, a small white bowl is filled with dark red sun-dried tomatoes. Beside the tomatoes is a metal measuring cup filled with creamy light yellow sauce, and next to it is a small clear container of pale golden liquid. Everything is displayed clearly with good light, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are delightfully simple but essential to achieving the full burst of flavor and luscious texture that defines this dish. Each element plays its own role— from the savory chicken thighs to the fresh spinach, creating a balanced and colorful plate.

Olive oil: Adds a fruity, rich base for browning the chicken to golden perfection.
Chicken thighs (600g): Juicy and tender, they soak up the creamy sauce better than breast meat.
Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic depth.
Sun-dried tomatoes (¼ cup, finely sliced): Introduces a tangy, slightly sweet punch that brightens the richness.
Italian herbs (1 Tbsp): A fragrant blend that brings the Tuscan countryside right to your skillet.
Chicken stock (1 cup): Adds moisture and a savory base that enhances the sauce’s complexity.
Baby spinach (1 cup): Delivers color, freshness, and a gentle earthiness to balance the creaminess.
Cream (½ cup): The hero that lends the dish its signature silky, luscious texture.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated, 70g): Goes beyond just flavor, giving a nutty, salty touch that thickens the sauce beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Brown the chicken to lock in juices

Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs in the pan, making sure not to crowd them, and cook for a few minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step seals in all the flavors and juices, giving the chicken that deliciously tender interior.

Step 2: Build your flavor with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes

Create a little space in the center of the skillet and add crushed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs. As these ingredients start releasing their aromas, pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom to infuse the sauce with even more depth and character.

Step 3: Simmer with spinach until chicken is perfectly cooked

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and gently stir everything together. Turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This slow cooking stage ensures the chicken thighs cook through while the flavors meld harmoniously. Stir occasionally to keep everything evenly coated.

Step 4: Enrich the sauce with cream and parmesan

Pour the cream over the simmering ingredients, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Keep the heat low and stir frequently as the sauce thickens to that perfect creamy consistency. This is where the magic happens—transforming the dish into a luscious, velvety delight.

Step 5: Serve immediately, coated in creamy goodness

Once your sauce has reached the right thickness, coat each chicken piece thoroughly and serve straight from the pan. This way, you capture all the warmth and flavor in every bite, bringing the heart of Tuscany right to your table.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

A dark cast iron pan filled with five pieces of cooked chicken covered in a creamy yellow sauce with visible black pepper specks, wilted dark green spinach leaves, and small pieces of sun-dried red tomatoes scattered on top. The pan is placed on a white marbled textured surface. In the background, there is a dark cast iron pan with three large pieces of biscuit, one biscuit broken into a small piece placed next to it, and some blurred utensils and greens further back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves adds not only a pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous aroma that complements the richness of the dish beautifully. For an elegant touch, add a little extra grated Parmesan that melts slightly when sprinkled on hot chicken.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta that soaks up every drop of that exquisite sauce. If you prefer something lighter, a crusty artisan bread or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini work perfectly to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken on a bed of cooked pasta or creamy risotto, then ladle over the sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach artfully arranged around the plate. Alternatively, dish it up family style straight from the skillet to keep things cozy and inviting—perfect for sharing stories over a relaxed meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making for a delicious next-day meal that only needs a quick reheat.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, thanks to its creamy sauce. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, making sure to leave some room for expansion. It will keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream helps restore the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay more tender and juicy, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat—just be careful not to overcook, as breasts dry out faster. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Are sun-dried tomatoes essential for this recipe?

Sun-dried tomatoes are key to delivering that distinct tang and depth in the sauce, which balances the creaminess perfectly. However, you could substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes for a lighter twist, though the flavor will be milder.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, you can create a dairy-free version while maintaining delicious richness.

What spice level does this recipe have?

This dish is mild and comforting with no heat. You can easily add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes if you want a little kick.

Is the recipe suitable for meal prep?

Certainly! The Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe reheats well and keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Try making this Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe soon—you’ll love how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal effort. It’s a dish that truly warms the soul and shines with every forkful, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any night of the week.