Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe (Keto & Low Carb)
This Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken is one of my favorite indulgent skillet meals! Tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and smothered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. I can guarantee you won’t miss the carbs in this one! This has become one of my most dependable creamy chicken dinners because it delivers restaurant-style flavor with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
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If you’re looking for more easy low-carb chicken dinners, try this creamy Chicken Alfredo or these simple Chicken Fajitas for another quick and family-friendly meal.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe With Garlic (Keto & Low Carb)
I can’t resist one-skillet meals. They are just so easy and convenient, plus it saves a lot of time when cleaning up at the end of the night. This creamy, cheesy garlic chicken reminds me of going to a local Italian restaurant like Olive Garden or Carrabba’s, but a lot cheaper than those restaurant prices and made with NO pasta, so its keto-friendly!
Using a cast-iron skillet gives the chicken a nice brown sear while locking in those juices. The chicken breasts are seasoned with Italian herbs and served in a deliciously creamy, garlicky sauce. There’s so much flavor in one skillet! I have no doubt you’ll be going back for seconds…or maybe thirds!
If you enjoy garlic and parmesan flavor combinations, these Low Carb Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cutlets offer a crispy oven-baked option with a completely different texture from this creamy skillet dish.
For more easy dinner ideas, browse my full collection of keto chicken recipes.
What Is “Tuscan Style” Chicken?
Tuscan style chicken is simply chicken breasts (or thighs) seasoned with classic Italian herbs. The seasoned chicken is served in a garlicky cream-based sauce, similar to Alfredo sauce, with added Parmesan cheese. In this recipe, I also added Gouda cheese!
Fresh spinach leaves and tomatoes (fresh or sun-dried) are often added to the cream sauce as well.
What Herbs Are In Italian Seasoning?
The typical herbs you will find in Italian seasoning are:
- dried basil
- crushed rosemary
- dried thyme
- sage
- fennel seeds
Spice blends are a quick way to infuse a lot of flavor in little time. If you don’t have an Italian spice blend already in your spice cabinet, you can make your own! Here is an Italian herb recipe you can make at home. Remove or add whatever you like to make it your own. You can add garlic powder or onion powder too.
If you want something with bold flavor but without a creamy sauce, these Low Carb Chicken Fajitas are a great option and come together just as quickly in one pan.
How To Make Tuscan Chicken In A Cast Iron Skillet
*If you’re unfamiliar with cast iron, you may want to check out these six benefits to using one!
I love my cast iron skillet! It is such a great item to have in your kitchen that makes a huge difference in cooking! The cast iron holds in heat better than most skillets, which means your chicken, or whatever your cooking, will cook more evenly. So if you have one, I definitely recommend using it!
Here is a quick summary of what I did. See the full recipe below!
Step 1: Season, your chicken with Italian seasoning and salt and pepper. Add to a skillet over medium and cook it until evenly browned. Set it aside on a plate. You want to brown your chicken without burning it or overcooking it.
Step 2: Remove chicken, but do not clean your skillet. We want to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 3: Add tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices and de-glaze with chicken broth. All the flavors will start to come together. Cooking time may vary.
Step 4: Add your heavy cream, cheeses, and spinach and let simmer until the spinach starts to wilt. Add chicken back to garlic sauce. Serve hot!
Easy Variations
This creamy Tuscan chicken is easy to adjust depending on what you have on hand or how your family enjoys to eat.
Easy Variations
- Add more vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes all work well.
- Make it creamier: Add a little extra heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Change the protein: Try shrimp or keep it simple with just the sauce and vegetables.
- Use different cheese: Parmesan is classic, but a blend of cheeses adds extra flavor.
See the FULL recipe below for added notes and details!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Skillet Meal Ahead of Time?
Yes, but you want to make sure you do not dry out your chicken!
If you want to make this meal a few hours ahead of time or even the night before, follow the directions as you normally would but when searing the chicken, remove it when its internal temperature reaches 155-160 degrees F. Since the internal temperature of chicken should be 165 degrees F, undercooking the chicken a little will keep you from overcooking the chicken when you reheat it later on.
Then, about 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, cover with tin-foil and place the entire oven-proof skillet or cast iron pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
What Can You Serve With Keto Tuscan Chicken?
Since this keto chicken is made without pasta, you may want to serve a side with it. I recommend something lighter since the sauce itself is very rich. Zucchini noodles would be a great substitute! This roasted cauliflower would also be delicious. Or you can try a side of these southern green beans. Both are keto-friendly and would pair well with the creaminess of this dish!
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, but you can freeze it if needed and reheat gently.
How do I reheat it?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little cream to bring the sauce back together.
More Easy Keto Chicken Recipes:
- Monterey Chicken
- Low Carb Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
- Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake
- Comforting Keto Chicken Pot Pie
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Recipe Tips From My Kitchen
After making this recipe many times, I’ve found that letting the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken back in creates a thicker, more flavorful finish. Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil give the best flavor compared to dry ones.
If the sauce thickens too much while standing, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream and stir gently over low heat to bring it back to a smooth consistency.
If you want another creamy and comforting dinner, this
is a great option.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken (Keto & Low Carb)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thin cut)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1.2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated + 1/4 cup for garnishing (optional)
- 1/3 cup Gouda cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup grape tomatoes. halved
- 1/4 onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Season chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper.
- In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil.
- When the skillet gets nice and hot, add your chicken and sear on both sides until brown. Put a lid on the top to help the chicken cook. Don't overcook the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. (Use a thermometer to help.) Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add butter, garlic, onion, and diced tomatoes to pan with Italian seasoning and paprika sauce for 5 minutes stirring occasionally on medium/ low heat.
- De-glaze pan with chicken broth. Scrape the pan to remove the bits that might have stuck to the bottom. Make sure to keep them in the pan as they add incredible flavor.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Gouda, and spinach and simmer on medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken stirring occasionally so that it doesn't stick. (It took mine approx seven minutes.)
- Add the chicken back to the skillet, and simmer on low heat for two minutes.
- Add remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese on top of chicken if desired.
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Video
Notes
- Using a cast-iron skillet will help sear your chicken more evenly and also develop the flavor better.
- Use full-fat heavy cream to get the most out of the flavor and your keto diet.
- Gouda cheese adds a nice flavor to the sauce, so try not to leave this out!
- Fresh spinach is preferred in this dish as opposed to frozen.
- You may substitute sun-dried tomatoes for the fresh tomatoes in this dish is you prefer.
Nutrition
Creamy Tuscan Chicken vs. Other Creamy Chicken Dishes
Creamy Tuscan chicken stands out from other creamy chicken recipes because of its combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach simmered in a rich cream sauce. The flavor is slightly tangy, savory, and super satisfying.
Compared to Alfredo-style chicken dishes, Tuscan chicken typically has more texture and brightness from the vegetables. Alfredo focuses mostly on cream, butter, and cheese, while Tuscan recipes add layers of flavor from aromatics and add-ins.
If you enjoy bold garlic flavor, oven-baked garlic parmesan chicken offers a different texture with a more concentrated savory profile. Tuscan chicken, on the other hand, balances richness with acidity from the tomatoes.
Both styles are excellent low carb dinner options, but Tuscan chicken is often preferred when you want something creamy that still feels fresh and balanced.
This chicken looks so delicious! I love that it is super rich and creamy PLUS keto friendly! 🙂
Thanks so much, Aleka!
Hello, Kasey.😁👋
You can have this delish recipe with pasta, i.e. Miracle Noodles, a low carb alternative to ‘real’ pasta. Please try them.
Thanks, Lasheba. Glad you like the recipe.
Your instructions do not say at what point to add the tomatoes and onion??
If you look in the comments, the tomatoes and onions are included in step #3.
I do not see where your instructions say at what point to add the tomatoes and onion??
In the comments, they are listed under step #3.
Made it again today, always delish!!! TY♡
That’s awesome!
I have a ton of half and half in the fridge. Could I substitute this for the heavy cream?
You could try it but half and half isn’t keto friendly because it contains milk.
Very easy to make and yummy!
FYI
The printed version of recipe omits/changes step 4 with the onions/tomatoes. I had to go back online to follow through.
I used the remaining spinach as a side.
I’m glad you enjoyed this dish. Great idea to use your remaining spinach as a side. The printed version step 4 includes onion/tomatoes now. Thanks.
Easy and delicious!! A keeper for sure!
I’m really glad you liked it so much!
This was amazing! Better than most of the Italian Restaurants in my area! Girlfriend said it was a 10/10.
That is really awesome! Can’t get much better than 10/10.
Completely concur, the recipe was terrific. We added some mushrooms which we think is a positive. Next time we’ll do mushrooms, olives, and probably double up on the tomatoes.
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it.
If I don’t have Gouda cheese on hand could I substitute it for another? What would be or next choice?
Sure perhaps just use parmesan. Although, Gouda gives it a nice flavor.
I used feta, it was excellent!
Perfect!
This sound delicious….Have you tried this recipe in a crockpot ? If so please share !
I haven’t tried it in a crockpot.
This is a delicious dish! Thanks for the recipe! The only thing I added was a teaspoon of xanthan gum to thicken the sauce a little more. I served it with mashed cauliflower.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!
Oh. My. Stars!!! I made this for dinner tonight. My picky eater stopped eating and came to me and hugged me and thanked me for cooking it! It’s better than anything I’ve had in a long time!!!
Thank you so much for this recipe!!
It’s a homerun when your picker eater enjoys what you’ve cooked. Glad y’all enjoyed it.
Absolutely delicious. This is a keeper!
Awesome! Glad you loved it!