Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Fettuccini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons paprika; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (halved horizontally so that you have 6-8 pieces of chicken); 4 tablespoons reserved sun-dried tomato oil or olive oil (divided); 2 tablespoons garlic (minced); 1 5- ounce jar sun-dried tomato strips in oil (drained (reserve 4 tablespoons of oil for cooking)); 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup baby spinach (chopped); 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped, for serving, optional); 1 pound fettuccine

Let me introduce you to a 30 minute skillet dish that rivals restaurant quality.Tuscan Chickenis made with sun dried tomatoes, parmesan, and baby spinach. It tastes so good served over rice or pasta.

top view of Tuscan chicken in a skillet next to a bowl of pasta.

Skillet meals have my heart. They are quick to whip up and the clean up is easy. Tuscan chicken is bursting with flavor. The creamy sauce paired with the sun dried tomatoes is simply divine.

You will be able to cook this meal from start to finish in under 30 minutes. That qualifies for a quick meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Plus, everything is made in one skillet. Can you say dream dinner? I made this meal with chicken breast but you can swap out your protein with the same great results. It would also taste really great using shrimp or your favorite fish.

top view of tuscan chicken over pasta next to a cast iron skillet of the tuscan chicken.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

This quick and easy recipe only takes 30 minutes and uses a lot of ingredients you may already have at home.
This recipe is very versatile and can be served with various sides like pasta,zucchini noodles,roasted cauliflower,or rice, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences and occasions.
You can prepare the chicken and spinach in advance, allowing for quicker assembly when you’re ready to cook, making this dish practical for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Recipe Ingredients

Chicken– I used breasts, halved horizontally so that you have 6-8 pieces of chicken
Sun-dried Tomatoes– We will use the tomatoes and the oil for cooking
Garlic– fresh and minced
Dijon mustard
Heavy cream
Spinach– I used baby spinach
Parmesan cheese– freshly grated
Basil– fresh chopped
Fettuccine
Seasonings –Salt, ground black pepper, paprika, onion powder

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

raw ingredients for creamy tuscan chicken in clear portion bowls.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken

Step 1.Mix spices and season chicken. Cook in sun-dried tomato oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2.Prepare fettuccine according to package instructions.

Step 3.Cook garlic and mustard in sun-dried tomato oil. Add cream, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. Simmer and season.

Step 4.Add chicken back to the pan, heat through, and serve over pasta. Garnish with basil if desired.

Recipe FAQs

How to know when the chicken is done?

This is one of the most popular questions because no one wants to slice into an undercooked chicken breast. You will know when the chicken is done because the juices will run clear. If you want to be positive it is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees when properly cooked.

How do I ensure my chicken is tender?

I’ve had my share of tough chicken and it’s the worst. One tip is to have your chicken at room temperature before cooking. If it is still cold, it won’t cook as evenly.

Is freshly grated Parmesan better?

I prefer freshly grated parmesan cheese to the packaged shredded parmesan. The cheese that is already shredded has a coating of preservatives that keeps the cheese from melting and integrating into the sauce well. If you can, always buy the fresh parmesan cheese and then grate it yourself.

top view of bowls of Tuscan chicken over pasta.

Expert Tips

When cooking the chicken, let it sear without moving it too much to develop a nice golden crust. This enhances the flavor and texture of the chicken.
Using the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for cooking. It adds extra depth and a rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
When whisking in the cream, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add flavor and help thicken the sauce, creating a more robust and flavorful dish.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. This ensures the flavors are balanced and to your liking.

How to Serve and Store Tuscan Chicken

Tuscan chicken would be delicious served over your favorite pasta,rice,zucchini noodles,roasted cauliflower, ormashed potatoes. You can add a side of vegetables or make a simple green salad and you are set.

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and sauce will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.