Name: Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-quality but takes minimal effort, these Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts hit the spot every time. Juicy chicken gets bathed in a velvety parmesan cream sauce, dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach for a dinner that’s both impressive and impossibly easy. It’s perfect for family gatherings, date night, or anytime you crave something utterly satisfying and bursting with Italian flavors. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Rich, creamy sauce coats every bite for a truly indulgent meal.
Ready in under 40 minutes—weeknight friendly but dinner-party worthy.
Great for customizing with your favorite veggies or proteins.
Low-carb and naturally gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for many diets.
Leftovers taste amazing and reheat beautifully, saving you time the next day.

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 700g)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker sauce)

Directions: How to Make Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

1. Prep and Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside (they will finish cooking in the oven).

2. Prepare the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same skillet, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Optional: Sprinkle flour and stir for 1 minute for a thicker sauce.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.

3. Bake the Chicken Breasts

Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
Transfer skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp reaches 165°F/74°C).

4. Serve and Enjoy!

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve sliced with extra sauce spooned over and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired.

Notes for Perfect Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Use thin, even chicken breasts for quicker, more even cooking (see tips here).
If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer on the stovetop for a few extra minutes before baking.
Leftover sauce is amazing over pasta or zoodles!

Variations on Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Shrimp Tuscan Bake: Swap chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp; reduce bake time to 10 minutes.
Vegetarian Style: Sub in thick-sliced portobello mushrooms or tofu for chicken.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and vegan parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free spin.

Required Equipment

Large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions for Leftover Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy sauce texture.

Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations

Serve over garlic mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all that creamy sauce.
Add a fresh green salad or simple roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
Pair with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.

Pro Tips for Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Pound chicken to even thickness for faster and more consistent baking (learn how).
Let chicken rest briefly after baking to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Freshly grated parmesan melts better and results in the creamiest sauce (read more here).

FAQ: Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and stay juicy—just adjust the bake time if needed as they may cook slightly faster than breasts.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, prep the sauce and sear the chicken in advance, then bake right before serving. You can also reheat leftovers with a little cream to refresh the sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply skip the flour or use a gluten-free alternative—the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts