Craving something decadent, creamy, and bursting with flavor? Meet your new weeknight favorite: Tuscan-Style Chicken with Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce! This dish is absolutely dreamy-with irresistibly juicy chicken cutlets, smoky bacon, and a rich, velvety sauce studded with sweet sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.

Every bite delivers a symphony of taste and texture, from the crispy, golden chicken to the tangy pops of tomato and savory garlic cream. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want this easy, one-pan masterpiece on repeat!

It's perfect for family dinners, impressing guests, or whenever you need a little comfort-food magic without spending hours in the kitchen. Inspired by Italian countryside flavors (and a dish I fell for at a cozy little trattoria), it'll quickly become a staple in your own home.

Tuscan-Style Chicken with Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One pan, minimal cleanup-maximum flavor.
Rich, creamy sauce brings classic Italian flair right to your table.
Smoky bacon + sun-dried tomatoes create irresistible layers of taste.
Ready in just 45 minutes-perfect for busy weeknights.

Key Ingredients for Tuscan-Style Chicken with Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts form the flavorful base for this dish. For best results, slice them in half horizontally to create thin cutlets; this helps them cook quickly and evenly. You can use thighs for extra juiciness, or even swap in turkey cutlets if you prefer a different protein.

Bacon

Bacon infuses the entire sauce with a wonderful smoky flavor and crispy texture. Use thick-cut for bigger bites of bacon, or regular slices if you prefer a lighter touch. Pancetta works beautifully as a substitute if you're staying authentic to Italian roots.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

These little gems bring bold, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that make the sauce truly special. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for even more richness, but jarred dry types also work-just rehydrate them in a bit of hot water before chopping.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream makes the sauce lusciously smooth and helps all the other flavors meld together. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be a bit less thick and rich.

Baby Spinach

Baby spinach adds freshness, color, and nutrition that balances the creamy, indulgent sauce. Don't have spinach? Kale or arugula work well, too-but add just before serving so they don't overcook.

Tuscan-Style Chicken with Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce cooking process

Instructions for Tuscan-Style Chicken with Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover lightly with foil.

Crisp the Bacon

Reduce the heat to medium and add chopped bacon to the pan. Cook, stirring often, until crisp and browned (about 5 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving the drippings in the skillet.

Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet if needed. Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about 1 minute, until fragrant and softened. Don't let the garlic burn!

Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce bubble for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Add Cheese and Spinach

Reduce heat to low and whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Fold in the baby spinach and let it wilt gently into the sauce.

Assemble and Serve

Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, nestling the chicken into the sauce and spooning some over the top. Simmer for another 2 minutes to heat everything through. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

Make It Dairy-Free

Craving that creamy texture without dairy? Substitute a plant-based cream (like coconut cream or unsweetened oat cream) and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan for cheesy flavor. The result is just as indulgent and perfect for those avoiding dairy.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This dish is naturally gluten-free-just confirm your chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes are certified gluten-free, and serve over gluten-free pasta or with a side of roasted potatoes for a satisfying meal.

Add Extra Veggies

Boost the veggie factor by adding chopped artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms along with the spinach. These all pair wonderfully with the creamy, tangy sauce and add a lovely texture contrast.

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when adding the garlic. You can also add a splash of white wine for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Tuscan-Style Chicken with Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce over a bed of buttery pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice to soak up that luscious sauce. Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a refreshing side. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a crack of black pepper for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Freezing is not recommended-the creamy sauce may separate when thawed-but you can freeze just the chicken and bacon, then make the sauce fresh before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscan-Style Chicken with Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce (FAQ)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy. Just adjust cooking time as needed until they're fully cooked.

Q: What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

A: Roasted red peppers are a delicious alternative, offering sweetness and vibrant color. Chopped cherry tomatoes (seared briefly) also add a fresh twist.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?

A: This dish is mild, but you can customize the heat by adding red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

This Tuscan-Style Chicken with Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort food-creamy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make! I know it'll become one of your go-to recipes. If you give it a try, please leave a comment or rating below and let me know how it turned out. Buon appetito!

Why You'll Love This Recipe