Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes (One-Pan)

It started as one of those weeknights where I just didn’t want to cook anything complicated. I was staring at a pack of chicken breasts, half a jar of sun-dried tomatoes that had been hanging out in the fridge for too long, and a small carton of heavy cream dangerously close to its expiration date.

I wasn’t in the mood to chop ten different things or dirty five pans. What I needed was a single dish—comforting, creamy, and flavorful—but without the fuss.

That’s how this one-pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken came to life in my kitchen. And honestly, it’s one of those meals that makes you feel like you’ve done something special without putting in a heroic effort.

You sear the chicken until golden, make a sauce that looks and tastes like it came out of a good Italian kitchen, and then you’re done. No layering, no baking, no blending. Just one pan and a little patience.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken (One-Pan Magic)

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken was born out of a lazy weeknight with a few odds and ends in the fridge—and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding “accidental” dinners ever.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Calories: 460

Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil (preferably from the sun-dried tomato jar)
• Salt and black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach (loosely packed)

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: Microplane or grater for parmesan

Method

 

1. Sear the Chicken

   Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear them in olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.

   Remove and set aside.
   
2. Build the Flavor Base

   In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic in the leftover oil for 30 seconds.

   Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
   
3. Make the Cream Sauce

   Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.

   Stir in Italian seasoning and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

   Add grated parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.
   
4. Simmer the Chicken

   Return the chicken (plus any juices) to the pan.

   Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 8–10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
   
5. Add the Greens & Serve

   Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.

   Serve hot over pasta, potatoes, or crusty bread.
   

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

• Flavor boost: Use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar—it adds depth.
• Thick sauce? Add a splash of chicken broth to loosen when reheating.
• Want heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic is perfect.
• No spinach? Try kale (cook slightly longer) or arugula (add at the very end).
• Optional flair: Deglaze with a splash of white wine before the cream for acidity.

Optional Add-Ins (If You’re Feeling Fancy)

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a chef’s recipe, and it’s not pretending to be. It’s dinner made by someone who wants something that tastes like they tried harder than they actually did. It’s about showing up to the kitchen with what you’ve got and making it work.

One-pan meals can be hit or miss, but this one earns a spot in the regular rotation. It’s creamy without being heavy, flavorful without needing a spice rack full of ingredients, and customizable without stress.

It’s the kind of thing you’d expect to see blow up on TikTok, but it actually works beyond the trend.

It’s also the kind of dish that makes people ask, “Did you really make this at home?”

And the best part? You did. With one pan, a few basics, and about 30 minutes of your time.