Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken – A Rich, Comforting Weeknight Classic

This Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken is everything you want in a cozy, satisfying dinner—tender chicken simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and aromatic herbs. It’s a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy yet comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for weeknights when you crave something indulgent but approachable. The combination of butter, garlic, and cream creates a luxurious base, while the tomatoes and spinach add brightness and balance. I once made this using coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and it still turned out beautifully rich with a slightly sweeter undertone. This is the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with warmth and brings everyone to the table hungry and happy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love creamy, savory dishes with a touch of Mediterranean flair, this recipe will become a staple. The chicken stays incredibly tender as it cooks in the sauce, and the blend of garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes delivers deep, comforting flavor without a long ingredient list. It feels indulgent yet balanced, hearty yet fresh. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, and the sauce alone is enough to win you over. It’s versatile, elegant, and ready in under an hour—ideal for both busy nights and special occasions.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless breasts work well here. When seared until golden, they develop flavor and stay juicy in the creamy sauce.

Garlic – The backbone of the dish. Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and deep aroma.

Butter – Creates the base of the creamy garlic sauce and contributes richness and body.

Olive Oil – Helps with browning the chicken evenly and adds depth to the flavor profile.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Provide sweetness, tang, and a concentrated tomato flavor that lifts the entire sauce.

Spinach – Adds freshness, color, and gentle earthiness. It wilts into the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.

Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce velvety and luxurious. You can use coconut milk for a dairy-free twist that still feels indulgent.

Chicken Broth – Lightens the cream and helps build a flavorful base for the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce slightly. Freshly grated cheese works best.

Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings balance and a subtle Mediterranean character.

Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and elevating the dish as a whole.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – A gentle touch of heat that brightens the creaminess of the sauce.

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until deeply golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Add the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to build flavor.

Directions

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.

Stir in the spinach and let it wilt. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Serve warm with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread—anything that will soak up the luscious sauce.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people generously. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking requires 25–30 minutes, for a total time of 35–40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the creamy sauce to separate.

Variations and Customizations

Mushroom Addition – Add sautéed mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor.

Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk and vegan butter; skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Tomato-Rich Version – Add a spoonful of tomato paste for a stronger tomato presence.

Spinach Swap – Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green.

Crispy Prosciutto – Sprinkle crisped prosciutto or pancetta on top before serving for a salty finish.

Creamy Pesto Edition – Add a spoonful of pesto for basil-infused richness.

Lemon Touch – Stir in a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

White Wine Boost – Add a splash of dry white wine when deglazing the pan.

Herb Upgrade – Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or thyme.

Protein Swap – Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey cutlets, or firm tofu.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs stay very tender and work wonderfully in this sauce.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely—use coconut milk and vegan butter, and omit or replace the Parmesan.

3. Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil?

Yes, they work best because they’re softer and more flavorful.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Cream sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best served fresh.

5. How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered for a few minutes, or add a little extra Parmesan.

6. Can I make it less rich?

Use half cream and half broth for a lighter sauce.

7. Does this work with pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, add it at the end and simmer gently until heated through.

8. What can I serve this with?

Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables all pair beautifully.

9. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat low once the cream is added and avoid boiling.

10. Can I add vegetables?

Yes—zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli all work well.

Conclusion

The Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken is a luxurious yet simple dish that transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. With its rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomato brightness, it’s a comforting classic that never disappoints. Whether served over pasta or with a side of warm bread, it’s a dinner that feels both indulgent and effortless—a perfect go-to meal for busy nights and relaxed weekends alike.

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