Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken is comfort food done fast. Tender chicken gets tossed in a garlicky, tomato-kissed cream sauce that feels fancy but cooks in just 30 minutes. It’s rich, cozy, and perfect for piling over pasta, rice, or potatoes. With one skillet and simple ingredients, you’ve got a weeknight dinner that tastes like something from a restaurant but comes together with dad-level ease.
Why This Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Is a Weeknight Win
Fast prep you can actually pull off:
No one wants to wrestle with dinner after a long day. This dish comes together in about 30 minutes just enough time to get the kids settled or sneak in a quick chore. You’ll go from chopping to sitting down at the table before anyone has a chance to say, “What’s for dinner?”
Easy cleanup (your sink will thank you):
We’re talking one skillet here. That means fewer dishes, less time scrubbing, and more time doing the fun stuff like actually eating or catching the game. The skillet does all the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to juggle a mountain of pots and pans.
Big flavor without the fuss:
This isn’t your average chicken dinner. The garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce team up to make every bite rich and satisfying. It feels fancy enough for date night but simple enough for Tuesday chaos. And the best part? The flavor payoff makes it taste like you worked way harder than you actually did.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken (3 Steps & Timing)
Cook the Chicken
- Season 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces) with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 6 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 cup of chopped yellow onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 cup chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Combine Everything
- Add 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, simmering for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the creamy sauce.
- Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Garlic bread for a tasty side.
- Steamed broccoli to add some greens.
- Rice or quinoa for a filling addition.
- Fresh salad to keep things light.
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup olive oil For frying the chicken.
For the sauce
- 6 cloves minced garlic
- 0.5 cup chopped yellow onion Consider using pre-chopped to save time.
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 cup chicken broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
- 1 cup heavy cream You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Combine Everything
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, simmering for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the creamy sauce.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Nutrition
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, use an air fryer or oven to keep the chicken crisp. Simply warm at 350°F until heated through.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped vegetables to save time.
- Buy rotisserie chicken for a quicker start.
- Consider bagged salad mixes to round out your meal.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs About this Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe
Can I make creamy Tuscan garlic chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it earlier in the day and reheat when ready to eat. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
What if my sauce turns out too thin?
Just let it simmer uncovered a few extra minutes—it’ll thicken as it reduces. If you want a faster fix, stir in a spoonful of Parmesan cheese. It binds the sauce while keeping that rich, savory flavor.
Can I freeze creamy Tuscan garlic chicken?
You sure can. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove. The sauce may separate slightly, but a quick stir brings it back together.
What can I serve with creamy Tuscan garlic chicken?
It’s great over pasta, but don’t stop there. Try it with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to scoop up that sauce. Add a simple green veggie or salad to balance the richness.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
Yep. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt. You’ll still get a creamy sauce, just a little less rich. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts also keeps the dish moist without extra cream.
Wrap-Up: Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Tonight
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken is proof that you don’t need hours to make a hearty, flavorful dinner. With tender chicken, a silky sauce, and pantry-friendly ingredients, this one-skillet recipe checks all the boxes: easy, comforting, and family-approved. Try it tonight over pasta or potatoes, and you’ll see why it’s one of those meals everyone asks for again and again.
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Let’s make cooking easier, together one delicious bite at a time.
