Tuscan Chicken Sauté with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Sautéed and simmered in a luscious creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach for a taste of Tuscany. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends divided salt, divided black pepper, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup, chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 tsp (optional) crushed red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (with a bit of oil). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the browned bits from the pan.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 3 cups fresh baby spinach, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and spinach wilts.
- Step 6: Return chicken breasts to the pan and spoon sauce over them. Heat through for 2 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve chicken topped with extra sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tuscan Chicken Sauté with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tuscan Chicken Sauté with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tuscan Chicken Sauté with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Tuscan Chicken Sauté with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Tuscan Chicken Sauté with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce?
Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
