Tuscan-Style Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Pan-cooked chicken breasts simmered in a savory sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach for a rustic, dairy-free Tuscan dish. This italian-inspired chicken (whole30, dairy-free) ready in about 35 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, chopped sun-dried tomatoes 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 2, 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
- 2 pieces (6 oz each), pounded to even thickness chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup, chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 cups, packed fresh spinach
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 pounded chicken breasts (6 oz each) with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Step 2: Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 3/4 cup chicken broth, add 3 cups fresh spinach, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and optional 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until spinach is wilted and sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Tuscan-Style Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tuscan-Style Chicken with Spinach and 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-Style Chicken with Spinach and 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-Style Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Tuscan-Style Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, dairy-free, paleo, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.