🍗 Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Mushrooms 🌿 | Low Carb, Protein-Packed, One-Pan Dinner

Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces chicken breasts (seasoned with salt and pepper); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided); 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk); 3 oz tomato paste (about half a 6 oz can); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp garlic salt; 2 cups mushrooms (halved); 3-4 sprigs fresh sage; 1 tbsp chopped parsley; to taste salt and pepper; to taste crumbled feta cheese (for topping)

Published:

May 16, 2025

Updated:

Author:

Cifra

Busy nights call for bold, comforting flavors—and this creamy Tuscan chicken with mushrooms delivers exactly that. Picture this: golden-seared chicken breasts bathed in a luscious tomato-ricotta sauce, fragrant with garlic, Italian herbs, and just the right whisper of heat. Sautéed mushrooms add earthiness, sage and parsley lift it with fresh herbal notes, and a final crumble of feta brings the perfect salty punch. Best part? This is all made in one skillet and ready in about 35 minutes—restaurant vibes with zero stress.

Whether you’re low carb, gluten-free, or just craving something seriously delicious, this recipe brings it all to the table—literally.

Why This Tuscan Chicken Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

Let’s be honest—weeknight dinners can get repetitive. This dish breaks the cycle without complicating your life. You’ll love it because:

It uses one pan for easy cleanup.
The creamy tomato ricotta sauce is rich without being heavy.
It’s low carb and gluten-free, perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
It tastes like something you’d get at a rustic Italian trattoria—but you made it at home.
It scales easily from date night for two to a family-style meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Work Together)

Here’s a look at what makes this dish pop:

Chicken Breasts: Pan-seared for golden flavor, then finished in the oven to keep juicy.
Olive Oil: Divided for searing and sautéing—flavor and function.
Garlic: The foundation of the sauce’s savory depth.
Ricotta Cheese: Brings creamy texture and subtle tang.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor without too much acidity.
Chicken Broth: Thins the sauce just enough while boosting savory notes.
Dried Basil & Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that work wonders with tomato and cheese.
Chili Powder: Adds warmth—not too spicy, just a nice background kick.
Garlic Salt: A shortcut seasoning to amplify everything.
Mushrooms: Meaty and earthy, they soak up flavor beautifully.
Fresh Sage & Parsley: One adds warmth, the other brightness.
Feta Cheese: Salty, creamy contrast to finish things off.

Pro Tips for Juicy Chicken Every Time

The key to this dish’s success is properly cooked chicken. Dry, bland chicken ruins the whole vibe—so here’s how to get it right:

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning—this helps it sear, not steam.
Use a hot skillet, but not smoking. Medium-high is your friend.
Don’t move the chicken too much—let it get that golden crust before flipping.
Sear first, finish in the oven. This method keeps the inside moist and the outside perfectly browned.

Mastering the Creamy Tomato Ricotta Sauce

This sauce is what brings it all together—it’s what turns “just chicken” into something you’ll crave. A few things to keep in mind:

Use whole milk ricotta if you can—it’s creamier and melts into the sauce better.

Whisk until smooth before simmering. The heat will soften the cheese, and the whisk ensures no lumps.

Taste and adjust seasoning before adding to the skillet—don’t be afraid to tweak the salt, spice, or herbs.

Let it simmer briefly to marry all the flavors before combining with the chicken and mushrooms.

Building the Flavors: Why Skillet Cooking Wins

What’s beautiful about this recipe is how it layers flavors—all in one skillet:

Garlic hits the oil first, infusing it right from the start.

Chicken leaves behind fond (those golden bits)—a flavor goldmine.

Mushrooms soak it all up, gaining richness from what’s already in the pan.

Sauce gets poured in hot, picking up everything the skillet has to offer.

One pan, maximum flavor.

Optional Pairings to Serve It With

While this dish is filling on its own, you can easily stretch or customize it with some simple additions:

For low-carb meals: Serve over sautéed spinach, roasted zucchini, or cauliflower rice.
For comfort mode: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered pasta.
To keep it balanced: A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
With bread: Crusty sourdough or garlic toast to mop up that sauce is never a bad idea.

Easy Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Try:

Swapping ricotta for mascarpone or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
Using chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
Adding spinach to the sauce for extra color and nutrition.
Topping with shredded mozzarella before baking for a meltier finish.

Storing & Reheating Like a Pro

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting great:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Avoid microwaving chicken too long—it can turn rubbery. Instead, cover and warm slowly.

This dish actually develops even more flavor the next day, so it’s great for meal prep.

Final Thoughts: Comfort Food That Feels Special (But Isn’t Hard)

This creamy ricotta mushroom chicken is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a home chef without spending all night in the kitchen. It’s bold, beautiful, and comforting, yet totally doable even on a weeknight.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or just feeding your hungry self, this one-skillet Tuscan chicken recipe delivers every time.