It’s 6 PM. You’re hungry. The family is hangry. Who has time for a fancy dinner?
You do. I promise. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken High Protein Dinner is your weeknight superhero. If you love a simple, cozy chicken dish, you should also try this creamy garlic chicken recipe.
We’re talking restaurant-level flavor in one pan. In about 30 minutes. It’s creamy, garlicky, packed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. And it’s a total protein punch.
Let’s get your night back on track.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: High-Protein Main Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ultimate Guide to Creamy Tuscan Chicken High Protein Dinner
This isn’t just another chicken recipe. This is your new secret weapon.
Why? Because it hits every mark. You get juicy, golden chicken cutlets. They swim in a luxuriously creamy spinach sauce. It’s studded with sweet, tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
The whole thing feels indulgent. But it’s shockingly simple to make. You use one skillet. The steps are foolproof.
You get a massive flavor payoff for minimal effort. That’s the busy cook’s dream. This guide gives you all my tips for perfect results every single time.
The Simple Ingredients
I bet you have half of this in your kitchen right now. That’s the beauty of it. Here’s your shopping list.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken High Protein Dinner Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Tuscan Chicken High Protein Dinner Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), pounded to even thickness
- Salt and black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Ready? Grab your big skillet. We’re doing this in a flash. Follow these steps and dinner is done.
- Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts very dry with paper towels. This is key for a good sear! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is foaming, add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
- Make the magic sauce. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
- Build the cream base. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Then, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Add the veggies. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Finish and serve. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon that gorgeous sauce over the top. Let everything heat through for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like, and serve immediately!
What to Serve With This Dish
This chicken is the star. But it needs a great supporting cast. Here are my go-to fast sides.
For a classic feel, serve it over pasta. Angel hair or fettuccine cooks in minutes. The creamy pasta combo is unbeatable.
Want to keep it low-carb? Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are perfect. They soak up the sauce beautifully.
A simple side salad with Italian dressing balances the richness. Or grab a loaf of crusty bread. You’ll want to mop up every last drop of that spinach sauce. For another hands-off, creamy chicken dinner, my slow cooker creamy Tuscan chicken is a fantastic option.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
No sun-dried tomatoes? Use roasted red peppers from a jar. They add a similar sweet touch.
Out of heavy cream? A mix of half-and-half and a spoonful of cream cheese works great. It still gets you that creamy texture.
If you have chicken thighs, use them! They’re even more forgiving and juicy. Just cook them a few minutes longer.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
Let the dish cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce needs loosening.
I don’t recommend freezing this one. The creamy sauce can separate when thawed.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~580
- Protein: ~45g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~35g
- Saturated Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~8g
*Nutrition is an estimate per serving, calculated with heavy cream.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use milk instead of cream?
I don’t recommend it. Milk is much thinner and can curdle. For a lighter option, try half-and-half. It will still give you a creamy, stable sauce.
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it?
No problem! Let it simmer for a few more minutes. The sauce thickens as it reduces. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it in. It will thicken up fast.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep parts of it. Pound the chicken and season it. Chop the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. When you’re ready to cook, you’ll be 5 minutes ahead. The actual cooking is best done right before serving.
See? I told you it was easy. You just made a stunning Italian food dinner in no time flat.
That creamy, garlicky sauce with pops of tomato and spinach is a total win. Your kitchen smells amazing. Your people are happy. You are a weeknight champion. If you’re craving more cozy, one-pot comfort, this creamy garden chicken lasagna soup is a must-try.
Go try this and win back your evening! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!
