Dinner Italian Meat

Tuscan Butter Chicken

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 4 Italian

Tuscan Butter Chicken is a rich and indulgent Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs. This restaurant-quality meal is surprisingly easy to make at home and is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a velvety sauce that's brightened by the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and balanced by the earthy spinach. Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal that will transport you straight to Tuscany.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
2 cups fresh spinach, packed
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cheese grater
Meat thermometer (optional)
Tongs

Instructions

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they're very thick, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.
Season the chicken on both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (these add great flavor to the sauce).
Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add the spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the fresh basil and season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reheat the chicken.
Serve the chicken with plenty of the Tuscan butter sauce, garnished with additional fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Chef's Tips

For the most tender chicken, don't overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) but not much higher.
If your sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little more chicken broth.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich.
Fresh spinach works best in this recipe, but you can use frozen spinach in a pinch - just be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture first.
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread, or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Substitute 1.5 pounds of large shrimp for the chicken. Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Tuscan Butter Salmon

Use salmon fillets instead of chicken for a delicious seafood version. Reduce cooking time to about 4 minutes per side for medium doneness.

Spicy Tuscan Chicken

Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce and include 2 tablespoons of chopped hot cherry peppers for a spicy kick.

Nutrition Information

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
580	43g	8g	42g

*Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.