Tuscan chicken sauce is a creamy, herbaceous sauce often served over chicken or pasta. The base of the sauce is made from heavy cream and parmesan cheese, which gives it a rich, decadent texture. Tuscan chicken sauce also typically contains garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a variety of Italian herbs and spices. Some key ingredients in Tuscan chicken sauce include:
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is the primary ingredient in Tuscan chicken sauce. The high-fat content of heavy cream gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and helps it cling nicely to chicken, pasta, or vegetables. Heavy cream also provides a rich, velvety base for the other flavors in the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese
Finely grated parmesan cheese is another staple ingredient in Tuscan chicken sauce. As the parmesan melts into the hot cream, it adds a sharp, nutty, and salty flavor. Parmesan cheese also helps thicken the sauce slightly and adds to its luxurious, creamy mouthfeel.
Garlic
Garlic is an essential component of Tuscan chicken sauce. Two or three cloves of garlic are typically minced and sautéed briefly in olive oil or butter before the cream is added. This blooms the garlic’s flavor and aromatics, infusing the whole pan sauce. The mellow sweetness of the slow-cooked garlic balances the rich cream.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Most Tuscan chicken sauce recipes call for julienned or chopped sun-dried tomatoes. The concentrated, umami tomato flavor gives the sauce a robust, Italian flair. As the sun-dried tomatoes simmer in the sauce, they rehydrate and turn tender, while also lending a subtle chewiness.
Spinach
Tuscan chicken sauce is often flecked with spinach, both for visual appeal and the vegetable’s flavor. A couple handfuls of baby spinach are added near the end of cooking, just long enough to wilt but retain their vibrant green color. Spinach adds freshness and iron to the sauce.
Herbs and Spices
No Tuscan sauce is complete without a blend of aromatic Italian herbs. Common choices are basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Some chefs also add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Black pepper and salt are also added to taste. These herbs and spices give Tuscan chicken sauce its quintessential Italian essence.
Chicken Broth
Low-sodium chicken broth is frequently used to thin out the Tuscan sauce slightly. The savory broth also boosts the flavor but doesn’t overly dilute the cream. About 1/2 to 1 cup of chicken broth is typical for a recipe that serves 4 to 6 people.
White Wine
A splash of white wine, such as pinot grigio or chardonnay, can add nice acidity and fruitiness to Tuscan chicken sauce. The wine cuts through the richness while complementing the tomatoes and herbs.
Onion
Some Tuscan chicken sauce recipes call for a minced onion to be cooked until translucent with the garlic. Onion lends a subtle natural sweetness and more layered flavor to the sauce.
Cooking Method
To make Tuscan chicken sauce, the main steps are:
- Sauté aromatics like garlic and onion in olive oil.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs and cook briefly.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add spinach and wilt before serving.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more herbs if desired.
The sauce can be served warm over cooked chicken breasts, thighs, or pasta. Tuscan chicken sauce is also terrific drizzled over vegetables like roasted broccoli or cauliflower.
Ingredient Ratios
The ingredients in Tuscan chicken sauce can be adjusted to suit different tastes and serving sizes. Here is a table outlining typical ingredient ratios for a standard batch of Tuscan chicken sauce:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup grated |
| Garlic | 2-3 cloves |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 1/4 cup chopped |
| Spinach | 2-3 cups |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
| White wine (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Onion (optional) | 1/2 cup minced |
| Herbs like oregano, basil, parsley | 1-2 tsp each |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | Pinch |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Variations
There are many possible ways to vary and customize Tuscan chicken sauce:
- Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
- Use pecorino romano or asiago cheese instead of parmesan.
- Add fresh herbs like chopped basil, oregano, or marjoram.
- Mix in lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for brightness.
- Simmer with bay leaves or rosemary sprigs for deeper flavor.
- Use red wine instead of white wine for a robust twist.
- Toss with gnocchi or ravioli instead of pasta.
- Swap in kale or arugula instead of spinach.
- Top with extra parmesan, toasted pine nuts, or fried shallots.
Storage
Properly stored Tuscan chicken sauce will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. To store, allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the frozen sauce to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Here are some serving suggestions for leftovers:
- Toss with hot pasta, veggies, or chicken for an easy weeknight meal.
- Simmer briefly with a splash of cream or milk to thin.
- Stir in extra herbs, garlic, or parmesan to brighten the flavors.
- Blend or puree with extra cream for a smoother sauce texture.
- Use as a dip for bread, vegetables, or chicken tenders.
- Stuff into lasagna noodles or manicotti shells before baking.
Tuscan Chicken Sauce vs. Alfredo Sauce
Tuscan chicken sauce and alfredo sauce have a few similarities but also some distinct differences:
| Tuscan Chicken Sauce | Alfredo Sauce | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Heavy cream | Heavy cream, butter |
| Cheese | Parmesan | Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, others |
| Herbs/Seasoning | Garlic, Italian herbs | Garlic, pepper |
| Color | White with flecks of green | Pale yellow |
| Texture | Thick and creamy | Silky smooth |
| Flavor | Savory, tangy, herbal | Rich, nutty, buttery |
Conclusion
Tuscan chicken sauce is a flavorful, versatile sauce that pairs deliciously with pasta, chicken, and vegetables. The hallmark ingredients include heavy cream, parmesan, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs and spices. While similar to alfredo, Tuscan chicken sauce has a more robust herbal and tangy flavor profile. This sauce can be tweaked in many ways and makes great leftovers too. A creamy Tuscan chicken sauce is sure to be a hit at any Italian-inspired dinner or gathering.