Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Tuscan Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, this easy baked version is perfect for a cozy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy, yet is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts
olive oil
garlic
sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
baby spinach
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Italian seasoning
paprika
salt
black pepper
optional: fresh basil, crushed red pepper, lemon juice

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.

Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Optional: Garnish with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for more flavor.
Substitute cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne.
Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed cauliflower.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or on the stovetop until heated through.
Not recommended for freezing due to cream-based sauce separation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the sauce.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and perfect for keto when served with a low-carb side.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes, sear the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Freshly grated Parmesan works best for melting and flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though flavor may vary.

Conclusion

Baked Tuscan Chicken is a decadent yet easy-to-make dish that brings the warmth and flavor of Italian cuisine straight to your table. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory sun-dried tomato and garlic flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for date night or family dinner, this recipe is a comforting classic worth keeping in your rotation.