Creamy Tuscan chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish, featuring chicken breasts simmered in a rich Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Its Italian-inspired flavors make it a popular choice for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. But to truly round out your meal, choosing the right side dishes is key. If you’re wondering What To Serve With Tuscan Chicken, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explore a variety of delicious and complementary side dishes that will transform your Tuscan chicken into a complete and unforgettable dining experience.
A wooden spoon adding spinach and sauce to a chicken breast in a dark skillet.
Tuscan chicken is known for its creamy, savory sauce, often featuring garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The chicken itself is tender and juicy, and the spinach adds a touch of freshness. When selecting side dishes, you’ll want to consider flavors and textures that complement these elements without overpowering the main course. The goal is to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
Let’s dive into some fantastic options for what to serve with Tuscan chicken, categorized to help you find the perfect pairings:
Starchy Sides: Classic Companions for Tuscan Chicken
Starchy sides are excellent for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce of Tuscan chicken and adding heartiness to the meal. Here are some top choices:
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Pasta: Serving Tuscan chicken over pasta is a classic and incredibly satisfying choice. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine are all excellent options. The long strands of pasta twirl easily and capture the creamy sauce perfectly. Consider tossing the cooked pasta with a little olive oil and Parmesan cheese before adding the chicken and sauce on top.
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Rice: Steamed rice, whether white or brown, is another simple yet effective side dish. Rice provides a neutral base that allows the flavors of the Tuscan chicken to shine. For a slightly richer option, try risotto. A Parmesan risotto would be particularly complementary, echoing the cheese in the chicken sauce.
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Polenta: Creamy polenta is a fantastic Italian side dish that pairs beautifully with Tuscan chicken. Its smooth texture and slightly sweet corn flavor contrast wonderfully with the savory chicken and sauce. You can make polenta ahead of time and reheat it, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
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Quinoa: For a healthier grain option, quinoa is a great choice. It’s packed with protein and fiber, and its slightly nutty flavor complements the Tuscan flavors. You can cook quinoa with chicken broth for extra flavor.
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Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even creamy potato gratin are all comforting and delicious sides for Tuscan chicken. Roasted potatoes with herbs like rosemary or thyme would be particularly flavorful. For mashed potatoes, consider adding garlic or Parmesan cheese to enhance the Italian theme.
Chicken cutlets seasoned with salt and black pepper on a white rectangular platter.
Vegetable Sides: Bright and Fresh Contrasts
To balance the richness of the creamy sauce, consider serving Tuscan chicken with some fresh and vibrant vegetable side dishes. These options add color, texture, and essential nutrients to your meal:
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables are always a winner. Broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots all roast beautifully and become slightly caramelized and sweet, offering a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs before roasting for extra flavor.
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Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing and healthy side dish that cuts through the richness of the Tuscan chicken. Use mixed greens, romaine lettuce, or spinach as a base, and add vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. A lemon vinaigrette would be particularly bright and complementary.
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Steamed or Sautéed Greens: Spinach, kale, or green beans, simply steamed or sautéed with garlic and olive oil, make a quick and nutritious side dish. These greens provide a boost of vitamins and minerals and add a touch of bitterness that balances the creamy sauce.
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Caprese Salad: For an Italian-inspired side, a Caprese salad is a perfect choice. The combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, is light, flavorful, and visually appealing.
Sautéed onion and garlic in a large dark skillet.
Bread Sides: Perfect for Sopping Up Sauce
Don’t forget the bread! Crusty bread is essential for enjoying every last drop of that delicious Tuscan chicken sauce.
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Crusty Bread: A simple loaf of crusty Italian bread, French bread, or sourdough is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. Slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature.
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Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent option, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser. You can make classic garlic bread with butter, garlic, and parsley, or try adding Parmesan cheese for an even more Italian flavor.
Quick and Easy Side Dish Ideas
If you’re short on time, here are some quick and easy side dish ideas that require minimal preparation:
- Microwaveable Rice or Quinoa Pouches: These pre-cooked grains are ready in minutes and require no effort.
- Pre-washed Salad Greens: Bagged salad greens make assembling a simple salad a breeze.
- Steamed Frozen Vegetables: Frozen vegetables like broccoli or green beans can be quickly steamed in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Store-bought Bread: Pick up a loaf of crusty bread from your local bakery or grocery store.
A creamy sauce with spinach and sun dried tomatoes in a large dark skillet.
Pairing Based on Occasion
Consider the occasion when choosing your side dishes. For a casual weeknight dinner, simple sides like rice and steamed vegetables might be perfect. For a more special occasion, like a dinner party or date night, you might want to elevate your sides with options like Parmesan risotto, roasted asparagus, and garlic bread.
Ultimately, the best side dishes for Tuscan chicken are those that you and your guests enjoy most. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect Tuscan chicken meal. Experiment with different combinations of starchy sides, vegetables, and bread to discover your favorite pairings and elevate your next dining experience.
