A rich, creamy, and flavour-packed dish that comes together effortlessly — tender chicken simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Perfect tossed with pasta or served your way.
What I Love About This Recipe
This is one of those dishes that comes together effortlessly, yet feels incredibly indulgent. It’s a simple recipe that can be made in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those days when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.
I love how the creamy, garlicky sauce wraps around the chicken and pasta, with the sun-dried tomatoes adding just the right hint of tang and depth.
What makes this recipe even more special is how flexible it is. The type of pasta you use is completely up to you — I used spaghetti simply because it’s what I had on hand at the time. In fact, this entire dish was more of an impulse decision, and it turned out to be one of those comforting meals you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Before we get into the ingredients, here’s a little about what gives this dish its Tuscan touch.
What Makes This “Tuscan” & Why the Name?
The word “Tuscan” comes from Tuscany, a region in Italy known for its simple, rustic style of cooking — where fresh ingredients and subtle flavours come together beautifully.
For me, this dish reflects that essence in the way it’s built. The combination of garlic, herbs, olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy base creates a flavour that feels both rich and comforting, yet not overly complicated.
It may not be a traditional Tuscan recipe, but it carries that same feeling — simple ingredients coming together to create something wholesome, flavourful, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Sauce
- 4 chicken thigh fillets (approx. 600–700 g)
(preferred for extra juiciness, but chicken breasts work just as well) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
👉 I use a simple homemade mix of dried oregano, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and basil - 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
👉 If unavailable, you can use whole fresh cherry tomatoes instead — add them whole, not chopped.
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1½ cups heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and chopped onion.
Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until softened.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes & Garlic
Add the sun-dried tomatoes (or whole cherry tomatoes) and minced garlic.
Sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Spinach
Add the baby spinach and cook until it just begins to wilt.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and add the parmesan.
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 7: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the top, until fully cooked and coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 8: Combine with Pasta (Optional but Recommended)
Cook your pasta of choice (I used spaghetti) according to package instructions.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently until well coated.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, topped with a little extra parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- A light salad
- Roasted vegetables
✨ Tips & Variations
- Chicken thighs give extra tenderness and flavour, but chicken breasts work just as well
- No sun-dried tomatoes? Use whole cherry tomatoes for a fresh alternative
- Add chilli flakes if you like a subtle heat
- Adjust the cream slightly if you prefer a lighter or thicker sauce
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