Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts are juicy, tender, and loaded with rich Mediterranean flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy, one-pan dish brings elegance and comfort together, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special dinners. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a simple yet impressive recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
For the sauce:
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Fresh spinach
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm a little olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently until slightly thickened.
- Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until just wilted.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Add mushrooms or roasted red peppers to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Store Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and season the chicken ahead, then assemble and bake when ready.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute the cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives, though the sauce will have a slightly different flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Adjust the baking time slightly as thighs may cook faster depending on size.
What should I serve with Tuscan chicken?
Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion
Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts are the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and vibrant flavors wrapped in a simple, elegant dish. Easy to make and packed with delicious ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite for both weeknight meals and entertaining guests!
PrintBaked Tuscan Chicken Breasts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy baked chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs for a rich and flavorful Tuscan-style dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (they do not need to be fully cooked through). Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In the same skillet, sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the spinach until just wilted.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with chopped basil before serving, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version, but the sauce will be thinner.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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