Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken in 25 Minutes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, see notes); 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp sea salt; 1 tsp pepper; 2 tbsp ghee (can substitute avocado oil for dairy-free); 1 shallot, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 3 cups fresh spinach; Chopped parsley (optional topping); 1/4 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp arrowroot starch; 1.5 cups coconut milk

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting dinner that comes together super fast, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken in 25 Minutes Recipe is absolutely a game-changer. I remember the first time I whipped this up on a busy weeknight—I couldn’t believe how rich and flavorful it was, especially since it’s dairy-free. You’ll love how the creamy coconut milk sauce combines with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach to create something that feels indulgent without hours in the kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Dairy-Free Creaminess: Uses coconut milk and ghee for a luscious sauce without dairy.
Flavor-Packed: Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and garlic make a vibrant, rich dish.
Versatile Protein: You can use either tender chicken thighs or lean breasts for your preference.

A white pot filled with five thick pieces of cooked chicken covered in a creamy light yellow sauce with a smooth texture. The sauce is mixed with bright green spinach leaves and small dark red dried chili pieces scattered on top. The chicken pieces are partially submerged in the sauce, showing their golden brown color with black pepper specks. A silver spoon with a detailed handle rests inside the pot, partially covered in sauce. Around the pot is a dark gray cloth on a white marbled surface, and a small white bowl with chopped green herbs is nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward but come together beautifully. Each adds a key layer of flavor or texture—like the sun-dried tomatoes that bring a sweet-tart punch, and the coconut milk that creates that creamy, comforting sauce without any dairy hassle.

Shallot: Provides a mild onion-flavor base that’s sweeter and more delicate than regular onions.
Garlic: The heart of Italian flavor—always add fresh minced for the best aroma.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to impart Tuscan vibes effortlessly.
Sea Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce just right.
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs stay juicy and tender, but breast works great if pounded for even cooking.
Ghee or Avocado Oil: For sautéing; ghee adds a buttery note, but avocado oil works well for dairy-free needs.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce and helps thicken it once combined with arrowroot starch.
Arrowroot Starch: A great gluten-free thickener to give the sauce a silky texture.
Coconut Milk: The creamy base that makes this dish feel indulgent yet dairy-free.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bursting with concentrated flavor and gorgeous color.
Fresh Basil: Adds bright herbal freshness that uplifts the sauce.
Fresh Spinach: Wilts right into the sauce, bringing color and a dose of greens.
Chopped Parsley (Optional): For a fresh garnish that makes it feel restaurant-quality.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this recipe is flexible! Depending on what you have on hand or dietary needs, it’s easy to make tweaks without losing that creamy-tuscan magic. Here are a few of my favorite ways to switch it up.

Dairy-Free Swap: I always use avocado oil instead of ghee when I’m cooking for someone with dairy intolerance—it still produces a beautiful sear and keeps things light.
Change Up the Greens: Instead of spinach, try kale or Swiss chard—just add them a bit earlier so they soften well.
Protein Swap: Sometimes I use turkey cutlets or even firm tofu for a vegetarian spin—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Extra Heat: If you’re into spice, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika elevates the dish nicely.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken in 25 Minutes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken for Even Cooking

Start by deciding if you’re using chicken thighs or breasts. I prefer thighs because they’re more forgiving—juicy and less likely to dry out. But if you go with breasts, place them between parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness; this helps them cook evenly and prevents one side from drying out before the other.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the ghee (or avocado oil). While it’s warming up, mix your Italian seasoning, sea salt, and pepper, then sprinkle this mix generously on both sides of the chicken. When the pan is hot, add the chicken, giving it a few minutes without disturbance—this is how you get a gorgeous brown crust. Flip and cook the other side similarly. If your pan is small, cook in batches so you don’t overcrowd it and lose that lovely sear.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce Base

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the chicken broth and arrowroot starch. Doing this now means it’s ready to add to the pan as soon as your chicken is done, saving you precious minutes.

Step 4: Build Flavor in the Pan

Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. Add a touch more ghee if your pan looks dry, then toss in the diced shallot and garlic. Cook while stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent—this is where the flavor base really starts coming together.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

Add the coconut milk, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped basil into the skillet. Give your chicken broth and arrowroot mixture a quick whisk and pour it in as well, stirring everything together. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from cooking the chicken—that’s pure flavor gold. Let this sauce bubble gently for a minute to start thickening.

Step 6: Finish Cooking Chicken with Sauce and Spinach

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover the pan and turn the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until your chicken is cooked through. Then, add your fresh spinach in batches, stirring it in until it wilts. This adds a beautiful color and nutrition boost right at the end.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Chicken in 25 Minutes Recipe

Use Room Temperature Chicken: Taking chicken out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking helps it cook evenly and get a better sear.
Don’t Skip Pounding Chicken Breasts: I learned the hard way that uneven thickness leads to overcooked thin edges and undercooked centers—pounding fixes this perfectly.
Deglaze Thoroughly: When you add the broth mixture, scrape up those golden bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor in your sauce.
Add Spinach Last: Adding it too early can make your sauce watery and limp; wilt it just before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken in 25 Minutes Recipe

A white pan holds a creamy light beige sauce with herbs and green spinach leaves mixed in. Four pieces of cooked chicken are partly covered by the sauce, showing a light brown color with specks of black pepper and herbs. Small dark sun-dried tomato strips are scattered on top. A silver spoon rests inside the pan, partly submerged in the sauce. A dark gray textured cloth is placed next to the pan on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the finished dish because it adds a fresh, vibrant note and a pop of green that just makes it look more inviting. Sometimes, I’ll add a little extra torn basil leaf if I have it on hand—it brightens the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. My go-to favorites are garlic mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even cauliflower rice if I want a low-carb option. I’ve also enjoyed it with buttered pasta or a simple side of roasted seasonal vegetables—the creamy sauce pairs well with pretty much anything!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving the chicken on a large platter with colorful roasted veggies arranged around it, garnished with fresh basil and parsley. It makes a stunning centerpiece that’s both homey and elegant. You can also serve it over polenta or creamy risotto to switch things up and impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to let the chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it in an airtight container to the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days and the flavors actually mellow out, making leftovers even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works well if you skip or reduce the spinach beforehand (it can get a bit watery when frozen). I freeze the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers—then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming it gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge. Microwave works in a pinch, but low-and-slow on the stove keeps the texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes! Chicken breasts work great if you pound them to an even thickness first—this ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Thighs are more forgiving and naturally tender, but breasts are an easy swap if preferred.
Is this recipe truly dairy-free?

Absolutely! The recipe uses coconut milk for creaminess and ghee or avocado oil for sautéing. If avoiding dairy completely, substitute ghee with avocado or olive oil to keep it dairy-free.
What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even roasted vegetables. For a low-carb choice, cauliflower rice complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes — you can fully prepare and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain tenderness and sauce consistency.
What is the arrowroot starch for?

Arrowroot starch acts as a natural thickener in this recipe, giving the sauce that silky, creamy texture without using flour. It’s a great gluten-free option and mixes easily with broth before adding to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken in 25 Minutes Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it hits all the marks: quick, easy, and utterly delicious. It’s perfect for nights when you want something special without spending hours cooking. I hope you enjoy making it as much as my family and I do—give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation, too!