Keto Creamy Italian Tuscan Chicken – Easy One-Pan Low-Carb Dinner

When you think of comfort food on a keto diet, Keto Creamy Italian Tuscan Chicken stands out as a top-tier option. Picture this: juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts bathed in a velvety parmesan cream sauce, bursting with the bold flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and artichoke hearts. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to prepare—all while being low in carbs and high in satisfying fats.

This recipe was inspired by the creamy Tuscan dishes I enjoyed while traveling through northern Italy. While the original versions were often paired with pasta, this keto adaptation keeps the essence while slashing the carbs, making it ideal for anyone following a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle.

Why Make This Keto Creamy Italian Tuscan Chicken?

Here’s why this dish deserves a place in your regular meal rotation:

1. Rich in Flavor, Low in Carbs

This Tuscan-style chicken dish is everything you love about creamy Italian cooking—without the pasta or carb overload. At just around 4g net carbs per serving, it’s a keto dream meal.

2. Fast & Convenient for Busy Days

Despite its gourmet look and taste, this recipe takes only 30–35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll only need one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

3. Nutrient-Dense and Filling

Thanks to spinach, artichokes, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish offers a variety of antioxidants and nutrients. Combined with the satiating protein from chicken and fats from cream and cheese, it keeps you full for hours.

4. Elegant Enough for Guests

Hosting a dinner party or trying to impress your spouse? This Tuscan chicken looks beautiful on the plate and pairs well with wine, making it a go-to for special occasions.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a batch and portion it out for the week. It reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Tired of boring keto meals? The FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes features satisfying dishes that make sticking to keto easy—and enjoyable!

Ingredients List (Serves 4)

Let’s break down exactly what you need, along with helpful notes:

Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  Tip: If they’re thick, butterfly them or pound to even thickness for faster, more even cooking.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  Use high-quality olive oil for flavor, or butter for a rich golden sear.

Sauce Base:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  Fresh garlic is essential here—it builds the foundation of flavor.

• 1 cup heavy cream
  Provides the creamy, keto-friendly base. Avoid low-fat substitutes.

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  Adds a salty, umami kick and helps thicken the sauce.

Vegetables and Flavor Boosters:

• 1 cup fresh spinach (packed)
  Stirred in at the end to wilt. Baby spinach works best.

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  Choose oil-packed for best flavor—just drain well.

• ½ cup artichoke hearts, chopped
  Adds tang and depth. Use jarred or canned (rinse if salted).

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  Use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme for a classic flavor profile.

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  For a gentle spicy kick—adjust based on heat preference.

Read More: Keto Creamy Chicken Pumpkin Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for a fail-proof dinner, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen:

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear.

• Lightly season both sides with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.

• If the breasts are uneven, lightly pound with a meat mallet or slice in half lengthwise to reduce cooking time.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat.

• Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed.

• Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through (internal temp ~155°F).

• Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Flavorful Add-ins

• In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add another teaspoon of oil if the pan is dry.

• Add minced garlic, stirring constantly for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.

• Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, allowing them to release flavor into the pan.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• Pour in heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the pan (this is flavor gold!).

• Stir in the remaining Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese.

• Bring to a gentle simmer—not a boil—and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will thicken as the cheese melts.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Finish Cooking

• Stir in the fresh spinach, cooking for about 1 minute until just wilted.

• Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.

• Cover and simmer gently on low for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.

Step 6: Serve

• Spoon extra sauce over each chicken breast when plating.

• Garnish with more grated parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Cooking tip: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. It thickens slightly and lets the flavors settle. Get more tips like this inside the FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes.

Tips and Substitutions

Cooking Tips:

• Don’t rush the sear: A golden crust adds flavor and locks in moisture.

• Use a meat thermometer: For perfect doneness, aim for 165°F.

• Deglaze with chicken broth: If you want to stretch the sauce or deepen flavor, add a splash of broth before the cream.

Substitutions:

• Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more flavorful—great for this dish.

• Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut cream + nutritional yeast in place of cream and cheese.

• Spinach Swap: Use kale (chopped and steamed first) or Swiss chard.

• No artichokes? Add mushrooms or chopped olives instead.

Read More: Creamy Low Carb Chicken Meatballs

Recipe Variations

1. Keto Tuscan Shrimp

Swap chicken with peeled, deveined shrimp. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, remove, and return to sauce at the end.

2. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Bake

Instead of finishing on the stove, place everything in an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes. Great for meal prep!

3. Tuscan Chicken with Cauliflower Mash

Serve this creamy dish over buttery cauliflower mash or keto gnocchi for a restaurant-style dinner.

4. Spicy Tuscan Chicken

Add 1–2 teaspoons of Calabrian chili paste or double the crushed red pepper for a bold, spicy kick.

Watching macros? The FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes includes full nutrition breakdowns for every dish to help you stay on track.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in meal-prep containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Serving Ideas:

• Pair with zucchini noodles, steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or creamy mashed cauliflower.

• Add a side salad with lemon vinaigrette or olive tapenade.

• Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon zest for brightness.

Explore more recipes in the FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes. From busy weeknight dinners to cozy weekend meals, you’ll always have something tasty ready.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before searing to avoid steaming instead of browning.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger skillet or cook in batches. Great for feeding a crowd or weekly meal prep.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Does this recipe work for other diets?

It’s keto, low-carb, and gluten-free. With simple swaps, it can be dairy-free and Whole30-friendly too.

Can I meal-prep this for the week?

Definitely. Portion into glass containers and pair with low-carb veggies or mash. Tastes even better the next day!

Conclusion

If you’re craving something comforting, rich, and satisfying—without sabotaging your keto goals—Keto Creamy Italian Tuscan Chicken checks every box. It’s elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights, and satisfying enough to make you forget it’s low-carb. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome fats, lean protein, and fiber-rich vegetables.

Make this once, and you’ll understand why it’s a staple in so many keto kitchens.

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