This Creamy One Pan Tuscan Chicken recipe is a dinner winner! It’s creamy, low-carb, packed with flavour, and easy to make. The dish is loaded with tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce, along with spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, cashews, and cherry tomatoes. High in protein and gluten-free, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.
It’s ideal for busy weeknights or weekend lunches, as it only requires one pan and 30 minutes to make. This filling and satisfying meal is great for lunch or dinner, and it’s sure to become a family favourite. The dish is creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious, perfect for those cosy nights when you want comfort food that still feels light and healthy.
The smoked paprika, oregano, chilli, and Italian seasoning add a touch of spice and warmth, while the cashews provide a nice crunch and nuttiness. The chicken, sliced on an angle halfway through, cooks quickly and evenly. Marinated with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and rosemary, it’s packed with wonderful aroma and colour.
As the chicken absorbs the creamy sauce, it becomes incredibly juicy and flavourful. The vibrant vegetables add freshness and colour to the dish, and the sauce is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
What Makes This Creamy One Pan Tuscan Chicken So Good?
- Healthy
- Low Carb
- High in Protein
- Keto
- Gluten-Free
- Egg-Free
- Can be made Nut-Free
- No Sugar Added
- Easily Adjustable to Tastes/Dietary Requirements
- Quick to Make (ready in 30 minutes)
- One-Pan Recipe
- Perfect for Meal Prep
- Family-Friendly
- Great for Busy Weeknights
- Packed with Flavour
- Rich in Nutrient
- Creamy and Absolutely Delicious!
Ingredients Needed to Make This Creamy One Pan Tuscan Chicken
- Chicken breasts: The main protein source of the dish. They are cut into slits to better absorb the marinade and sauce, resulting in enhanced flavour and faster cooking.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savoury flavour to the dish. You can caramelise the onion to bring out a rich sweetness.
- Garlic: Adds depth and aroma to the dish.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a smoky and slightly spicy touch to the chicken.
- Dried oregano: Adds a warm, earthy flavour to the dish.
- Red chilli: Brings a bit of heat to the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity.
- Mushrooms: Provide an earthy, meaty flavour. They’re also a good source of protein.
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh and vibrant note. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Bell peppers: Add a sweet, crunchy texture. They’re also a great source of vitamin C.
- Red fresh chilli (optional): Adds extra heat if desired.
- Cherry tomatoes: Provide a sweet, tangy flavour and are also a good source of vitamin C.
- Unsalted cashews: Add a nutty, crunchy texture and are a good source of protein.
- Chicken stock: Offers a rich, savoury depth to the dish and contributes to the earthy flavour.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce creamy and rich.
- Chickpea flour (or any low-carb flour): Used as a thickener for the sauce. Dissolve it in water to create a slurry before adding it to the pan.
- Water: Used to make the chickpea flour slurry.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the aroma and flavour of the chicken, while helping to mask any strong odours.
- Rosemary: Adds a woody, herbal note to the chicken.
- Olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and vegetables.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavour of the dish.
Substitutions
- If you don’t have chickpea flour, you can replace it with arrowroot starch, corn starch, or any other flour you have available. You can also use parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce, but keep in mind that it will add more calories and sodium to the dish.
- Which one do you have in hand, large or small size chicken breasts? The recipe calls for two large chicken breasts, which can serve four people or two people for two days. You can also use four small chicken breasts for four people.
How the Ingredients Add Taste to This Dish
The ingredients in this recipe work well together to create a balanced and flavourful dish. The chicken is marinated with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and rosemary, which give it a nice aroma and colour. The onion and garlic add sweetness and depth to the sauce, while the mushrooms and bell peppers add texture and earthiness. The spinach and cherry tomatoes add freshness and brightness to the dish, while the red chili adds some heat and colour. The cashews add crunch and nuttiness to the dish, while the cream make the sauce thick and creamy.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy One Pan Tuscan Chicken
Health Benefits & Nutrition of the Ingredients in This Creamy One Pan Tuscan Chicken
This recipe is high in protein, low carb, and gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, bones, skin, hair, and other tissues in the body. It also helps regulate hormones, enzymes, and immune system functions. Low-carb diets may help lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and promote weight loss. Gluten-free diets are important for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, as they help avoid digestive issues, skin rashes, headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms.
- Chicken: Chicken is a lean source of protein that helps you feel full for longer. It’s packed with nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, and niacin, which support various bodily functions such as energy production and immune health.
- Spinach: Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, iron, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients can help protect your eyesight, boost your immune system, support bone health, and prevent anaemia.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are low in calories but high in fibre, protein, and vitamin D. They also provide important minerals like selenium, copper, and potassium, which help regulate blood pressure, support immune health, and reduce oxidative stress.
- Bell Peppers: Bell peppers are crunchy and colourful, available in green, red, yellow, and orange. They are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B6, all of which support immune health, skin health, and nerve function. They are also high in antioxidants that help protect against infections and promote healthy ageing.
- Cashews: Cashews are rich in healthy fats, protein, fibre, and minerals such as magnesium, copper, and iron. These nutrients can help lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar control, support brain function, and prevent anaemia.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet, and juicy, providing a healthy dose of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects against prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. They’re also high in vitamin C and potassium, which support immune function, skin health, and hydration.
How to Cut Angled Slits in Chicken Breast
To prepare the chicken, slice the top of each breast by making 5-7 angled slits (depending on the size of the chicken breast). Cut halfway down without cutting all the way through, as shown in the pictures.
This technique helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly by reducing the thickness of the meat. It also creates more surface area for the marinade and sauce, resulting in a more flavourful and juicy dish.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Slice the Chicken:
Start by preparing the chicken. Take each chicken breast and make 6-7 angled slits on top, cutting about halfway down, but not all the way through. This helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly, and allows the sauce to really soak in and add flavour. - Marinate the Chicken:
Next, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Rub it with a mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and rosemary. Be sure to get the seasoning into the slits you just made to add even more flavour. Set the chicken aside for a few minutes to let it absorb the spices. - Sear the Chicken:
Now, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, place the chicken breasts in and sear them for about 4 minutes on each side, until they turn a nice golden brown. Once the chicken is fully cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate. - Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same pan (don’t clean it out – you want to keep all those tasty bits from the chicken), lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften and caramelise. Then, add the sliced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing. - Add Spices and Vegetables:
Next, add the mushrooms, bell peppers, and cashews to the pan. Let them cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften. - Prepare the Sauce:
Now it’s time to make the creamy sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together chickpea flour and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan along with the chicken stock and heavy cream. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently. The sauce will start to thicken and become rich and creamy. - Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
After that, add the spinach, cherry tomatoes, and some fresh red chilli slices if you like a little extra heat. Place the chicken back into the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, giving the sauce time to thicken and the chicken to warm through. - Serve:
Finally, your creamy Tuscan chicken is ready to serve! Plate it up and enjoy it hot, either on its own or with your favourite side, like cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
Tips to Make the Best Creamy One Pan Tuscan Chicken
- Slice the chicken breast on an angle halfway down: This will help the chicken cook faster and more evenly by reducing the thickness of the meat. It also helps the marinade and sauce soak in, making the chicken juicy and flavourful.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients like garlic, onion, and herbs will give your dish a vibrant and delicious flavour.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough. Be sure to cook it until it’s just done and still juicy.
- Use a large skillet: A large skillet ensures the chicken and vegetables cook evenly and that the pan isn’t overcrowded.
- Add the spinach at the end: Adding spinach towards the end of the cooking process will help it retain its bright green colour and fresh flavour.
- Let the sauce simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a few minutes will help it thicken and develop more flavour.
- Avoid lumps when using chickpea flour or cornstarch as a thickener: Don’t pour the thickener directly into the dish. Instead, mix the flour with water in a small bowl first, then add it to the dish. Make sure the water isn’t boiling.
What to Serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Zucchini Noodles: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, zucchini noodles are a great choice. They’re light, refreshing, and pair perfectly with the rich, creamy sauce of the chicken.
- Low-Carb or Gluten-Free Bread: For a bread option, you can try low-carb or gluten-free bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Sweet potato mash offers a sweet and savoury balance that works wonderfully with the creamy chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic side dish, mashed potatoes pair well with almost any main course, including this one.
- Rice or Pasta: If you’re in the mood for something more filling, serve the Tuscan chicken over rice or pasta for a hearty meal
Creamy One Pan Tuscan Chicken (Keto, Gluten Free)
Ingredients
- 2 Large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
Seasoning/Spices:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red chilli flakes
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ⅓ teaspoon teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 6-8 mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 150 g baby spinach
- 1 medium bell pepper (half red, half green)
- 1 red fresh chilli, sliced (optional)
- 100 cherry tomatoes
- 50-70 g unsalted cashews
- 1 cup chicken stock (240 ml)
- ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml)
- 1½ teaspoon chickpea flour (arrowroot starch or any low-carb flour)
- 4 tablespoon water (60 ml)
Marinate Chicken:
- ⅓ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅓ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon rosemary
Instructions
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the top of each chicken breast, making 5-7 angled slits about halfway down, without cutting through. This helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly, and creates more surface area for the marinade and sauce to coat the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and rosemary. Rub this mixture over the chicken breasts and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Base: In the same pan, fry the onion over medium heat until caramelised, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Add smoked paprika, oregano, red chilli flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and stir well.
- Add Vegetables: Add the mushrooms, bell peppers, and cashews to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low-medium. In a small bowl, whisk together chickpea flour and water until smooth. Add it to the pan, along with chicken stock and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Finish Cooking: Add the spinach, cherry tomatoes, red fresh chilli (if using), and the seared chicken back to the pan. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through.
- Serve: Serve hot with your choice of side dish or enjoy on its own.
Notes
Nutrition Note:
This recipe is rich in many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B3 (niacin), and iron.- Vitamin A supports your vision, boosts your immune system, and promotes healthy skin.
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage, strengthens your immune system, and aids in wound healing.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin) helps your body convert food into energy, supports the nervous system, and can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Iron is vital for producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body and keep your tissues healthy.
