Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken

Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts swimming in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce, dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach. This Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken brings the rustic flavors of Tuscany right to your dinner table without the carb overload. Perfect for keto dieters and carb-conscious eaters alike, this one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal carbs. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-quality Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken that’s ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken recipe hits all the right notes for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of succulent chicken and velvety sauce creates a textural masterpiece – crispy-skinned chicken contrasting beautifully with the silky, rich sauce. What really sets this Tuscan-style chicken apart is how it manages to feel indulgent while keeping carbs to a minimum. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and earthy spinach.

The beauty of this keto-friendly Tuscan chicken is its simplicity. With just one pan and about 25 minutes, you’ll create a meal that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s also incredibly versatile – serve it as is for a complete low-carb meal, or pair it with your favorite side for heartier appetites. Even better, the leftovers taste amazing the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

For this delicious Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken, you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz/170-225g each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
• 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
• ½ cup chicken broth (120ml)
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (about 1.5 oz/40g)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, packed (about 2 oz/60g)
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (about 2 oz/55g)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

The heavy cream forms the luxurious base of our Tuscan sauce, while sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated flavor without the carbs of regular tomatoes. Fresh spinach not only adds color but also packs in nutrients, making this creamy chicken dish as healthy as it is delicious.

Pro Tips

Season Boldly at the Start: The key to developing depth in your Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken is proper seasoning. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before cooking. This initial seasoning layer builds the foundation for the entire dish and ensures the chicken itself is flavorful, not just the sauce.

Perfect the Sear: For restaurant-quality Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken, achieve a golden-brown sear on your chicken. Heat your pan until it’s properly hot before adding the chicken, then resist the urge to move it for at least 4-5 minutes. This creates the Maillard reaction, developing complex flavors and a beautiful crust that seals in juices.

Master the Sauce Consistency: The cream sauce makes or breaks this Tuscan chicken dish. To achieve the perfect consistency, simmer (never boil) the sauce after adding the cream. If it’s too thin, reduce it longer; if too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Add the parmesan gradually, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and create a silky-smooth finish that perfectly coats the chicken.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving that perfect golden sear. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. For even cooking, consider pounding thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot and shimmering, add your seasoned chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Place the chicken in the hot skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until you see a golden-brown crust forming on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side. The chicken should be nearly cooked through with an internal temperature of about 155°F (it will finish cooking in the sauce). Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

In the same skillet with all those delicious chicken bits, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute, allowing their flavor to bloom in the oil and garlic.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor! Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer (never a boil) and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Reduce heat to low and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Add the fresh spinach and stir until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, and spoon some sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Garnish with fresh basil before serving your completed Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken.

Variations

Seafood Twist: Transform this dish into an equally delicious Low-Carb Tuscan Shrimp by substituting the chicken with one pound of large shrimp. Cook the shrimp for just 1-2 minutes per side before removing them, then follow the same sauce instructions. Return the shrimp to the sauce at the very end, just long enough to warm through. This variation cooks even faster, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Vegetable Boost: For an even more nutrient-dense Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken, add more vegetables to the mix. Try adding 1 cup of sliced mushrooms when cooking the sun-dried tomatoes, or stir in 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets along with the spinach. These additions keep the carb count low while increasing fiber and nutrients. For summer, adding 1 cup of diced zucchini creates a delightful garden-fresh variation.

Dairy-Free Option: Create a dairy-free version by replacing the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and omitting the parmesan cheese. To maintain the cheesy flavor, add 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast and an extra pinch of salt. This variation keeps the dish keto-friendly while accommodating those with dairy sensitivities.

Storage and Serving

Your Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead meal. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the chicken tough.

For a complete low-carb meal, serve your Tuscan chicken over cauliflower rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully. For a slightly higher-carb but still reasonable option, pair it with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. When entertaining, consider serving the chicken and sauce over a small portion of shirataki noodles, with a side of roasted asparagus or a crisp arugula salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. The bright, acidic elements of these sides balance the richness of the cream sauce perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay more tender. Just adjust cooking time accordingly – thighs typically need 2-3 minutes longer per side during the initial sear.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
For a keto-friendly thickening solution, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce longer to reduce it naturally. Alternatively, whisk ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum into the sauce and simmer for 1-2 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! This Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken actually tastes even better the next day. Store individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the refrigerator; simply add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, with approximately 5g net carbs per serving, this recipe fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet while delivering substantial fat and protein.

Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. If you need to freeze it, do so without the cream sauce, then make a fresh sauce when reheating the chicken.

Conclusion

This Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken is comfort food at its finest — rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying without the carb overload. It’s the perfect balance of sophisticated flavor and everyday simplicity. It’s the kind of dish that proves eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or feeling deprived. Whether you’re strictly following a keto lifestyle or simply looking to reduce carbs without giving up creamy, indulgent meals, this Tuscan-inspired chicken delivers on every level. Make this once, and it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Print