Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet

The Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and low-carb recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table in just 35 minutes. Made with juicy chicken, tender cauliflower, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich parmesan cream sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for entertaining. Since it’s made in one pan, cleanup is easy, making it an excellent option for busy families or anyone following a keto-friendly lifestyle.

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), cut into ½-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or as needed)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• ¼ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (chopped or baby spinach)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Add to a saucepan with chicken broth and simmer for 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove cauliflower with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve the broth.
2. Toss chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until lightly browned (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
4. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Stir in about ½ cup reserved chicken broth, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in chicken, cauliflower, spinach, and parmesan cheese. Cook 2–3 minutes until sauce is creamy, chicken is cooked through, and spinach is wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

The Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is best served hot right out of the pan. It pairs beautifully with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, spaghetti squash, or even traditional pasta if you’re not following keto. For a hearty twist, serve it over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. If you’re looking for lighter options, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables will balance the richness of the sauce.

Leftovers should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, but the cream may slightly separate upon thawing—stir well when reheating to bring it back together.

Variations

1. Shrimp Tuscan Skillet – Swap chicken with shrimp and cook them until just pink before adding back into the sauce.
2. Tuscan Chicken with Broccoli – Replace cauliflower with steamed broccoli florets for a different veggie base.
3. Mushroom Tuscan Chicken – Add sliced mushrooms when sautéing garlic for an earthy flavor boost.
4. Spicy Tuscan Chicken – Stir in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to give the sauce a gentle heat.
5. Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative to make it lactose-friendly.
6. Tuscan Chicken with Thighs – Substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
7. Tuscan Chicken over Pasta – Serve the dish over linguine, penne, or spaghetti for a classic comfort meal.
8. Low-Calorie Tuscan Chicken – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce richness while keeping flavor.
9. Vegetarian Tuscan Skillet – Leave out chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
10. Tuscan Chicken Casserole – Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra parmesan, and broil until golden and bubbly.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess liquid before adding.
2. What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes work well.
3. Can I make this recipe without cauliflower? Yes, swap in broccoli, zucchini, or even gnocchi.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker? Let it simmer longer or add more parmesan cheese.
5. Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, just use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
6. Is this recipe keto-friendly? Yes, it’s naturally low-carb thanks to the cauliflower base.
7. Can I make it ahead for meal prep? Yes, store in portions and reheat gently throughout the week.
8. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw? Yes, just skip the browning step and stir in shredded chicken at the end.
9. What herbs go best with this dish? Fresh basil, thyme, or parsley add wonderful flavor.
10. What wine pairs well with Creamy Tuscan Chicken? A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce.

The Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is an easy, delicious, and keto-friendly meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes. With its one-pan simplicity, rich flavors, and versatile options, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe brings the taste of Italy straight to your kitchen without the hassle.

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