Name: One Pan Tuscan Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 28 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons oil – Use a high-heat oil like olive oil or avocado oil to get a nice sear on the chicken without burning.; 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts – I prefer to slice these in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets that cook faster and more evenly.; Salt and pepper – You will need this for seasoning the meat directly and later for the sauce to taste.; 1 lb Little Potatoes – These baby potatoes are perfect because they hold their shape well; 1 cup cherry tomatoes – Slice these in half so they release their juices into the sauce while they simmer.; 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Fresh garlic is always best for that punchy aromatic flavor (but jarred works in a pinch.); 1 teaspoon salt – This is essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes and vegetables.; 1/4 teaspoon pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice subtle heat to the cream sauce.; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano – This classic herb gives the dish that signature earthy (Tuscan aroma.); 1/4 teaspoon dried basil – Dried basil works well here as it simmers in the sauce (infusing flavor throughout.); 1 cup fresh spinach – Chopped fresh spinach wilts beautifully; avoid frozen spinach as it adds too much water to your sauce.; 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth – Using low sodium allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish better.; 1 tablespoon corn starch – This is the secret to thickening your sauce without making it heavy or floury.; 1/2 cup heavy cream – Real heavy cream is crucial here because lighter milk might curdle when simmered with the acidic tomatoes.; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese – Grate your own cheese from a block if you can

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I just finished making this incredible One Pan Tuscan Chicken and Potato Skillet, and I can’t wait to share how amazing my kitchen smells right now. It is honestly the perfect comfort food that brings together tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and a creamy, flavorful sauce without leaving a mountain of dishes in the sink.

The combination of sun-ripened tomatoes and spinach makes me feel like I am dining in Italy, even though I am just standing in my own kitchen on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try this simple yet elegant dish, it will quickly become a regular favorite in your dinner rotation because it is just that good.You can also enjoy similar recipes like Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza Recipe for a hearty breakfast twist.

Ingredients Section

Here is everything you will need to bring this delicious meal to life in your own kitchen. I always recommend using the freshest ingredients possible to really make those Italian flavors pop.

2 tablespoons oil – Use a high-heat oil like olive oil or avocado oil to get a nice sear on the chicken without burning.
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts – I prefer to slice these in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets that cook faster and more evenly.
Salt and pepper – You will need this for seasoning the meat directly and later for the sauce to taste.
1 lb Little Potatoes – These baby potatoes are perfect because they hold their shape well, but you should cut them in half for quicker cooking.
1 cup cherry tomatoes – Slice these in half so they release their juices into the sauce while they simmer.
1 teaspoon minced garlic – Fresh garlic is always best for that punchy aromatic flavor, but jarred works in a pinch.
1 teaspoon salt – This is essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes and vegetables.
1/4 teaspoon pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice subtle heat to the cream sauce.
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano – This classic herb gives the dish that signature earthy, Tuscan aroma.
1/4 teaspoon dried basil – Dried basil works well here as it simmers in the sauce, infusing flavor throughout.
1 cup fresh spinach – Chopped fresh spinach wilts beautifully; avoid frozen spinach as it adds too much water to your sauce.
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth – Using low sodium allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish better.
1 tablespoon corn starch – This is the secret to thickening your sauce without making it heavy or floury.
1/2 cup heavy cream – Real heavy cream is crucial here because lighter milk might curdle when simmered with the acidic tomatoes.
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese – Grate your own cheese from a block if you can, as pre-shredded varieties often have anti-caking agents that stop them from melting smoothly.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 4 generous servings.

Variations

If you want to tweak this recipe to fit your dietary needs or just use what you have on hand, there are plenty of easy swaps.

Dairy-Free Option: You can easily swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based heavy cream alternative. While the flavor profile will shift slightly, coconut milk adds a lovely richness that pairs well with the garlic and tomatoes. Just be sure to use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor.
Vegetable Boost: Feel free to load this skillet up with more veggies if you want to stretch the meal further. Sliced mushrooms, red bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts make fantastic additions that soak up the creamy sauce. Just sauté tougher veggies like peppers along with the potatoes so they have time to soften.You can also enjoy similar party-style recipes like Pull Apart Street Corn Dip Sliders Recipe for easy entertaining.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the oil before searing the chicken. You could also stir in a teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce. This cuts through the richness of the cream and adds an exciting kick to every bite.

One Pan Tuscan Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe — Credit [Pinterest]

Cooking Time

Here is a quick breakdown of the time investment required for this dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen essentials.

Large Skillet – A heavy-bottomed pan or cast-iron skillet is essential for even heat distribution.
Chef’s Knife – You will need a sharp knife for halving the potatoes, tomatoes, and chicken breasts.
Cutting Board – A sturdy surface is necessary for prepping all your vegetables and meat safely.
Whisk – This is helpful for mixing the cornstarch into the chicken broth smoothly to avoid lumps.
Tongs – Long tongs make flipping the chicken and stirring the spinach much easier and safer.

How to Make One Pan Tuscan Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe?

Creating this dish is surprisingly straightforward, involving just a few key steps to build layers of flavor in a single pan.

Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to ensure good flavor. Place the chicken in the hot pan and sear for about 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove to a plate.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, toss in your halved potatoes, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and all your dry seasonings. Stir these ingredients frequently and let them cook for just a minute or two to wake up the spices. Once fragrant, stir in the chopped fresh spinach until it begins to wilt slightly into the mix.

Create the Sauce

While the veggies are sizzling, quickly whisk the cornstarch into the chicken broth in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine everything. This liquid base will deglaze the pan and become that rich, creamy sauce we want.

Simmer to Perfection

Nestle the browned chicken back into the pan, surrounding it with the vegetables and sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Final Touches

Once the cooking time is up, remove the lid and give everything a gentle stir. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the sauce. If you like, garnish with fresh herbs before bringing the skillet directly to the table for serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I have made this dish several times, and I have learned a few tricks that really elevate the final result from good to great.

I always recommend letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. If you cut it immediately after taking it off the heat, all those delicious juices run out, leaving you with dry meat. Resting ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.
I find that using “Little Potatoes” or baby potatoes works best because they have a creamy texture and thin skin. If you only have large russet potatoes, cut them into small, 1-inch chunks so they cook at the same rate as the chicken.
I prefer adding the garlic during the last 30 seconds of sautéing the vegetables. If you add garlic too early with the high heat, it can burn and turn bitter, which ruins the base of your cream sauce.

How to Serve One Pan Tuscan Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe?

This dish is a showstopper on its own, but a few simple touches can make the presentation even more inviting.

Since this is a one-pan meal, I love serving it straight from the skillet right at the dinner table. The rustic look of the bubbling sauce and vibrant tomatoes is very appetizing. You can sprinkle some fresh basil ribbons or chopped parsley over the top for a pop of bright green color. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a nice acidity that cuts through the rich cream sauce.

For sides, you really don’t need much since you have protein, starch, and veggies all in one. However, a crusty piece of garlic bread or a baguette is perfect for mopping up every drop of that delicious Tuscan sauce. If you want something lighter, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs wonderfully to balance the meal.

Nutritional Information

Here is a quick overview of the nutrition per serving to help you plan your meals.

Calories: Approximately 529 calories provide a hearty and satisfying energy boost.
Protein: With roughly 48g, this dish is excellent for muscle repair and keeping you full.
Carbohydrates: You get about 24g of carbs, mostly from the nutrient-dense potatoes.
Fat: The dish contains around 27g of fat, contributing to the rich mouthfeel and satiety.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is fantastic because it stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or enjoying leftovers later in the week.

Refrigerator Storage

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually meld together even better the next day. Just be sure to let the food cool down completely before sealing the container to prevent excess moisture buildup.

Freezing Guidelines

I generally don’t recommend freezing this dish because cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, do so without the cream, and add fresh cream when you reheat the dish later. The potatoes also may change texture slightly upon freezing, becoming a bit softer.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, place the chicken and potatoes back in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, as it will have thickened in the fridge. Cover and heat gently for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through evenly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are just a few reasons why this skillet dinner is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household.

Minimal Cleanup Required
You prepare the entire meal in just one pan, which means you spend less time scrubbing dishes and more time relaxing. It simplifies the evening routine significantly without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
Packed with Robust Flavor
The combination of garlic, parmesan, and sun-ripened tomatoes creates a complex, savory profile that tastes like it simmered for hours. It delivers restaurant-quality taste with basic pantry staples.
Highly Versatile
You can easily adapt this recipe to use whatever vegetables or proteins you have in your fridge. It is forgiving and flexible, allowing you to get creative with ingredients like mushrooms, kale, or turkey.
Family-Friendly Appeal
Even picky eaters tend to love the creamy sauce and tender potatoes in this comforting dish. It is familiar enough for kids but sophisticated enough to serve to guests at a dinner party.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
This meal relies on affordable staples like potatoes and chicken breasts, making it economical. You get a luxurious, high-end tasting meal without breaking the bank at the grocery store.