• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

One Dish Kitchen logo

  • Recipes
  • Articles
  • Store
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Articles
  • Store
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Articles
  • Store
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe
×

Home » Recipes » Single Serving Dinners

By Joanie Zisk Published: Mar 6, 2023 · Updated: Mar 6, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

Tuscan Chicken For One

Jump to Recipe
a bowl of tuscan chicken next to a wedge of Parmesan cheese

A single serving version of classic Tuscan Chicken ready in less than 30 minutes! One tender and juicy chicken breast simmer in a rich and creamy, spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce.

a bowl of tuscan chicken next to a wedge of Parmesan cheese

If you love one-pan chicken recipes like Chicken Piccata and Chicken Cacciatore, you will adore this easy Tuscan chicken recipe. One tender and juicy chicken breast simmer in a rich and creamy sauce filled with onions, garlic, fresh spinach, and a handful of tasty sun-dried tomatoes. The entire meal comes together in less than 30 minutes and is one of the best-tasting meals ever!

Jump to:
  • What Is Tuscan Chicken?
  • Is Tuscan Chicken The Same As Marry Me Chicken?
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • Ingredient Notes
  • How To Make Tuscan Chicken For One
  • Expert Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Variations
  • Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
  • Recipe

What Is Tuscan Chicken?

Tuscan chicken is a popular Italian-inspired dish featuring chicken cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. The dish takes its name from the Tuscany region of Italy. It is often served with pasta or rice, but I absolutely love to eat it just as it is.

Is Tuscan Chicken The Same As Marry Me Chicken?

Tuscan chicken and Marry Me Chicken are similar dishes but are not exactly the same. Both are creamy chicken dishes that use similar ingredients but the specific ingredients and flavors can vary depending on the recipe.

cooking for one subscription ad

Why This Recipe Works

  • A one-pan meal: You just need one pan to make Tuscan chicken which makes clean-up easy.
  • Extra flavorful: Tuscan chicken is so easy to make and filled with flavor.
  • Recipe doubles well: If you'd like to make Tuscan chicken for two or simply have leftovers for another meal, just double the ingredients.

Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

  • Chicken:  Use 1 (5 to 6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into ¼-inch thick strips.
  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free Tuscan Chicken, use a gluten-free flour like King Authur brand, Measure For Measure Gluten Free Flour, and make sure the broth used is gluten-free too.
  • Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil in this easy Tuscan Chicken recipe and in every other recipe on One Dish Kitchen that calls for olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form of olive oil. It is an unrefined oil and the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. Because of the way extra virgin olive oil is made, it retains a more true olive taste. It also contains more of the vitamins and minerals found in olives. It's my favorite type of olive oil, but you may use light olive oil instead.
  • Vegetables: Use fresh spinach, chopped onions, and garlic.
  • Chicken broth: I prefer using low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish. If you use regular chicken broth, you might want to reduce the amount of salt you add. I always recommend tasting the finished dish and adding extra seasonings and salt if needed.
  • Tomato paste: Tomato paste is simply concentrated tomatoes. A small amount adds a tremendous amount of flavor. Look for tomato paste that comes in a tube. You can find it in the same section of your grocery store where cans are found. A tube stays good in the refrigerator for much longer than canned. You can also freeze the leftover paste in ice cube trays. When frozen, pop the cubes out of the tray and store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer.
  • Heavy cream:  I recommend using heavy cream (double cream) or heavy whipping cream. Both of these ingredients are essentially the same - they both have over 36% milk fat, and the name often depends on the brand. 
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: I love the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes in this chicken dish. When buying sun-dried tomatoes, we typically purchase the oil-packed kind. If you purchase the dry-packed variety, you will need to rehydrate them by pouring boiling water over the dried tomatoes so that they soften.
  • Seasonings: Use salt, black pepper, chili pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. The main herbs in Italian seasoning are basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. If you don't have Italian seasoning, use one or two of these herbs instead.
  • Parmesan cheese: For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Fresh basil leaves: (Optional) Tear 2 to 3 basil leaves and scatter over the top of your chicken before eating.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

How To Make Tuscan Chicken For One

See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Mix together the flour, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Dredge the sliced chicken in the flour mixture until both sides of the chicken strips are well coated.
chicken pieces coated in flour in a red bowl
  1. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken strips in the pan and cook for 3 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 3 minutes, until the chicken has lightly browned and is cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Pro Tip: Resist the urge to move the chicken as it cooks or to flip it more than once.  Allow the chicken to stay in the same place for 3 minutes and then flip the chicken over. When the chicken is ready, it will naturally release from the pan.

chicken browning in a skillet
  1. Add the onions to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions have softened and are translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring constantly for 30 seconds.
onions and garlic cooking in a skillet
  1. Add the broth and deglaze the pan by scraping any bits stuck to the pan with a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon.
broth, onions, and garlic in a skillet with a rubber spatula stirring everything together
  1. Add the cream, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir frequently while the mixture comes to a boil.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently simmer, uncovered until the sauce has thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Pro Tip: Allow the sauce to simmer until it has reduced by half.

a cream sauce in a skillet simmering on the stove
  1. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and spinach. Simmer until the spinach has wilted.
tuscan chicken sauce simmering in a pan
  1. Add the chicken back to the pan and simmer until the chicken has warmed through.
tuscan chicken simmering in a pan on the stove
  1. Transfer the chicken and sauce to a bowl and top with fresh basil.
a small bowl of Tuscan chicken next to fresh basil and parmesan cheese wedges

Expert Tips

  • Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section of the post and gather your ingredients. Tuscan Chicken comes together quickly so it's a good idea to have everything ready before beginning.
  • Don't overcook the chicken: The chicken won't take very long to cook, especially since it is thinly sliced. Searing them in hot oil for about 3 minutes per side should cook them perfectly.
  • Customize the recipe if necessary: This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to leave out the spinach if desired, or use frozen and thawed spinach. Chopped fresh tomatoes or diced canned tomatoes can replace sun-dried tomatoes. Garlic powder (⅛ teaspoon) can replace fresh garlic.
  • To make a low carb Tuscan Chicken, leave out the flour coating. Just coat the chicken strips with shredded Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can This Recipe Be Doubled?

Yes. If you'd like to make another portion, just double the ingredient amounts.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs?

I prefer using a chicken breast in this recipe but you can use one or two boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.

Do I Have To Use Heavy Cream?

You can substitute whole milk but I don't recommend it. The fat from the cream helps to make the Tuscan chicken sauce creamy, rich, and thick.

What If My Tuscan Chicken Sauce Is Too Thick?

If your sauce is too thick, add more heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

How Should I Store Leftover Tuscan Chicken?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
I don't recommend freezing Tuscan chicken because the creamy sauce does not do well when frozen.

Serving Suggestions

Although I love to enjoy Tuscan chicken just as it is, you might like to consider serving it over pasta or rice. A wedge of crusty french bread is ideal for soaking up some of the delicious sauce.

an bowl of marry me chicken topped with fresh basil

Variations

This Tuscan chicken recipe can be made spicy, with different vegetables, or with extra cheese. Here are a few Tuscan chicken variations:

  • Add extra cheese: In addition to or in place of Parmesan, you can use Gruyere, Fontina, Gouda, or fresh Mozzarella.
  • Make it spicy: You can raise the heat level by adding additional red pepper flakes.
  • Add lemon: Make a delightful Lemon Tuscan Chicken by adding ½ to 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the cream sauce.
  • Use a different protein: The sauce is so creamy and flavorful, you'll want to use it with everything! Consider subbing the chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, shrimp, or fish.
  • Add vegetables: Cook a handful of mushrooms along with the onions or add frozen and thawed peas to the cream sauce.
  • Marry Me Chicken: Tuscan chicken is very similar to Marry Me Chicken, just leave out the spinach.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving Tuscan chicken recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

  • Chicken: Chicken Piccata, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Tortellini Soup, Coq au Vin, Butter Chicken
  • Onions: Shrimp Fried Rice, Chili Mac, Pizza Bowl, Penne alla Vodka, Baked Stuffed Fish, Guacamole
  • Garlic: Pad Thai, Split Pea Soup, Pork Stir Fry, Shrimp Fettuccine, Baba Ganoush, Sauteed Green Beans
  • Spinach: Hot Spinach Dip, Spinach Turkey Wrap, Spinach Manicotti, Crustless Spinach Quiche, Stuffed Peppers, Breakfast Sandwich
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Spinach and Orzo Salad, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
  • Tomato paste: Baked Black Bean Tacos,  Chicken Tagine, Crawfish Pasta, Beef and Cheese Pita Pizza, Irish Stew, Pizza Sauce
  • Chicken broth:  White Bean Soup, Turkey Cutlets, White Chicken Chili, Tomato Soup, Potato Soup, Zuppa Toscana
  • Heavy cream: Creamy Tomato Soup, Mushroom Casserole, Cauliflower Casserole, French Silk Pie, Cream Scones, Creamy Mustard Chicken
  • Italian seasoning: Vegetable Lasagna, Pork Tenderloin, Ratatouille, Lentil Stew, Hamburger Casserole, Giant Italian Meatball
  • Parmesan cheese: Creamed Spinach, Broiled Tomatoes, Pasta Primavera, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Pasta Carbonara

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried this easy Tuscan Chicken recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!

Recipe

a small bowl of Tuscan chicken next to fresh basil and parmesan cheese wedges

Tuscan Chicken For One

A single serving version of classic Tuscan Chicken ready in less than 30 minutes! One chicken breast simmers in a rich and creamy, spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
See the post above for expert tips,
FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 601kcal
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

  • 10-inch skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (5 to 6 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast , sliced into ¼ inch strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach , packed
  • 2-3 fresh basil leaves , torn
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Mix together the flour, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Dredge the sliced chicken in the flour mixture until both sides of the chicken strips are well coated.
  • Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken strips in the pan and cook for 3 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 3 minutes, until the chicken has lightly browned and is cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
    Pro Tip: Resist the urge to move the chicken as it cooks or to flip it more than once.  Allow the chicken to stay in the same place for 3 minutes and then flip the chicken over. When the chicken is ready, it will naturally release from the pan.
  • Add the onions to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions have softened and are translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring constantly for 30 seconds.
  • Add the broth and deglaze the pan by scraping any bits stuck to the pan with a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon.
  • Add the cream, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir frequently while the mixture comes to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently simmer, uncovered until the sauce has thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
    Pro Tip: Allow the sauce to simmer until it has reduced by half.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and spinach. Simmer until the spinach has wilted.
  • Add the chicken back to the pan and simmer until the chicken has warmed through.
  • Transfer the chicken and sauce to a bowl and top with fresh basil.
  • Enjoy hot.

Notes

Expert Tips
  • Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section of the post and gather your ingredients. Tuscan Chicken comes together quickly so it's a good idea to have everything ready before beginning.
  • Don't overcook the chicken: The chicken won't take very long to cook, especially since it is thinly sliced. Searing them in hot oil for about 3 minutes per side should cook them perfectly.
  • Customize the recipe if necessary: This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to leave out the spinach if desired, or use frozen and thawed spinach. Chopped fresh tomatoes or diced canned tomatoes can replace sun-dried tomatoes. Garlic powder (⅛ teaspoon) can replace fresh garlic.
  • To make a low-carb Tuscan Chicken, leave out the flour coating. Just coat the chicken strips with shredded Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Nutrition Facts
Tuscan Chicken For One
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 601 Calories from Fat 351
% Daily Value*
Fat 39g60%
Saturated Fat 16g100%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 16g
Cholesterol 151mg50%
Sodium 470mg20%
Potassium 692mg20%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 37g74%
Vitamin A 1142IU23%
Vitamin C 12mg15%
Calcium 176mg18%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Receive Our Latest Single Serving Recipes!Sign Up for the weekly One Dish Kitchen Newsletter!!
baking dish advertisement

More Single Serving Main Dish Recipes

  • chicken tetrazzini in a small. baking dish next to a bowl of fresh whole mushrooms
    Chicken Tetrazzini For One
  • a bowl of shrimp and grits topped with onions and red bell peppers next to fresh basil
    Shrimp And Grits For One
  • a philly cheesesteak on a white plate next to a bowl of french fries and a red bowl filled with ketchup
    Philly Cheesesteak For One
  • potato gnocchi topped with tomato sauce in a green bowl next to fresh basil and parmesan cheese
    Potato Gnocchi For One

About Joanie Zisk

Joanie Zisk is the creator of OneDishKitchen.com, the number one go-to site for single serving recipes. The aim of One Dish Kitchen is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul. Her website is filled with hundreds of easy, flavorful recipes that are tailored for those cooking for one. Joanie is the author of "The Ultimate Cooking For One Cookbook" and her recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including, TODAY.com, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Self.com,Women’s Day, Buzzfeed, and others. Come say hello and follow Joanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. LEE ARNETT MD says

    March 22, 2023 at 4:48 pm

    JOANIE,

    I MADE YOUR TUSCAN CHICKEN USING CHICKEN BREAST STRIPS. USED THE LEMON JUICE AND PRESSED FRESH GARLIC. MY WIFE SAID IT WAS THE BEST MEAL I HAVE EVER SERVED. THAT'S SAYING A LOT, AS I HAVE BEEN COOKING HER MEALS FOR 25 YEARS! IT REALLY IS A TERRIFIC RECIPE, AND I LIKED HOW THE INGREDIENTS LIST EXPANDED FOR THE FOUR SERVINGS I WANTED TO MAKE. GREAT WEBSITE, AND I PLAN TO TRY SOME MORE OF YOUR RECIPES. THANK YOU!!

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      March 22, 2023 at 5:27 pm

      I'm so glad you both enjoyed the chicken recipe. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know and I hope you find many new recipes here on our website that you love.

      Reply
  2. J. Hegyi says

    March 06, 2023 at 4:27 pm

    Good recipe.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Your Cooking for One Source - Because you are worth it - info graphic
joanie zisk leaning on a counter in the kitchen.

Welcome to One Dish Kitchen, I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

More about me →

Newsletter signup graphic

Our Store

red and ecru 5-inch baking dish advertisement

Spring Recipes

  • crustless spinach quiche | one dish kitchen
  • lemon garlic chicken on a bed of cooked orzo pasta
  • Lemon Cheesecake Mousse with crust on glass plate
  • caprese chicken with roasted cauliflower on a white plate next to a yellow flower
  • Baked Zucchini Lasagna in a square baking dish
  • cucumber salad in a bowl

Featured On...

Logos of publications that One Dish Kitchen has been published

Popular Recipes

  • banana muffin with piece taken out
    Easy Small Batch Banana Muffins Recipe
  • stack of pancakes for one with blueberries on top
    Fluffy Pancakes For One
  • a loaf of french bread on a dark counter.
    How To Make A Small Loaf Of French Bread
  • slices of pound cake on a plate.
    Mini Pound Cake Recipe

Cooking for One Tips

Cooking For One - Tips To Eat Healthy and Save Money - Whether you live alone, you're a parent that wants to indulge while the kids enjoy their favorites, or you have a partner who travels, you're sure to find these simple tips for cooking for one and tasty recipes helpful. | One Dish Kitchen

Footer

↑ back to top

One Dish Kitchen

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Statement
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contact
  • Work with Us

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Food and Recipes

  • Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Cookbook
  • FAQ
  • Store

Copyright © 2023 One Dish Kitchen