One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken

Say hello to my One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken recipe, a restaurant-quality dish that you can make at home in just 30 minutes! Imagine juicy chicken, a creamy sauce, and a mix of herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, all cooked in just one pan. Whether you’re a cooking pro or just getting started, this chicken dish recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or Sunday dinner any time of the year.

Why this recipe works

• Simple preparation: Life can be busy, and this recipe keeps things easy. You’ll enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
• The parmesan coating: Here’s the standout feature. Dip each chicken cutlet in a mix of beaten egg and parmesan-infused flour. This creates a crispy, golden-brown coating that locks in the chicken’s juiciness and adds the delicious nutty taste of parmesan.
• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: With just a few ingredients and a single pan, you’ll create a flavorful masterpiece that impresses without the stress.
• Quick and delicious: From stovetop to table, this recipe brings satisfying Italian flavors to your plate in no time.

What is Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken is a tasty American dish that combines the best of Italian flavors. While its exact origins are a bit mysterious, it’s heavily influenced by the Italian Florentine sauce. This classic sauce uses a mix of white wine, cream, garlic, and spinach. Then, sun-dried tomatoes are added to give the creamy spinach a boost of extra flavor, resulting in this popular Tuscan Chicken recipe.

Best ingredients for Parmesan Tuscan Chicken Recipe

• Chicken: Look for large boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. They provide a tender and juicy base for the dish.
• Parmesan cheese: A star ingredient that adds a rich, nutty flavor to both the chicken coating and the creamy sauce. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best results.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These intensely flavored tomatoes offer a concentrated burst of sweetness and umami, elevating the overall taste of the dish.
• Garlic and shallots: The aromatic duo of minced garlic and finely chopped shallots infuses the sauce with depth and savory notes.
• Herbs and spices: A combination of dried oregano, dried thyme, and smoked paprika adds a layer of Mediterranean herbs and a hint of smokiness to the dish. You can also use Italian seasoning instead if that’s your preference. 
• Heavy cream: The foundation of the luscious creamy sauce, heavy cream adds a luscious texture and richness.
• Chicken broth: Providing depth and balance to the sauce, chicken broth enhances the savory aspect of the dish.
• Tomato paste: Introducing tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor in the sauce, contributing to its vibrant color and taste.
• Baby spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color, nutrition, and a delicate earthy flavor.

How to make Parmesan Tuscan Chicken

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken.

• Start by dipping each chicken cutlet in a beaten egg, followed by a coating in flour mixture, grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken cutlets on both sides until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set them aside.

Step 2: Create the creamy parmesan sauce.

• In the same skillet, add little olive oil if needed and sauté finely chopped shallots on medium heat for 1-2 minutes until translucent.
• Add minced garlic and chopped sundried tomatoes, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute.
• Pour in heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Simmer until the mixture slightly thickens.

Step 3: Finishing touches.

• Add baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
• Return the golden brown chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the parmesan cheese sauce. Simmer for a couple of minutes to heat up the chicken breasts.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, fresh basil or your other favourite fresh herbs.

Storing and freezing tips

You can store any leftover parmesan Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, ensure the dish has cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When reheating, gently warm the dish on medium-low heat to retain its flavors and textures.

Top tips for the best Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken

• Season the parmesan-flour mixture with a little salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano and thyme (or just use your favorite italian seasoning!) before coating each chicken breast.
• Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a golden-brown crust.
• Pat the chicken cutlets dry with a paper towel before coating to promote a crispy exterior.
• This is a Parmesan Tuscan Chicken recipe without wine. However, to add an extra layer of flavor, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
• If you prefer a low-carb version, swap out pasta or rice for steamed vegetables like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Serving suggestions

This delicious parmesan tuscan chicken recipe pairs exceptionally well with a variety of sides. Serve it over cooked pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, to create a comforting creamy Tuscan chicken pasta. Alternatively, enjoy it with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side salad with fresh cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.

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