Creamy Marry Me Chicken: Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce (Print Version)
Whip up creamy Marry Me Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce! This easy, rich dish is perfect for weeknights or date nights. My favorite recipe!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken & Base
01 -
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts, sliced in half lengthwise)
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Flavor Powerhouses
03 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I always add more!)
04 -
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
05 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Creamy Sauce Essentials
06 -
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
07 -
1 cup heavy cream
08 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Finishing Touches
09 -
2 cups fresh baby spinach
10 -
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab those chicken breasts and pat them super dry with paper towels. This is crucial, trust me! Then, slice them in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. I always forget to season enough at this stage, and then kick myself later. You want them flavorful before they even hit the pan!
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add your chicken cutlets. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they're beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches. This step creates so much flavor, that gorgeous crust is everything. I once tried to rush this, and my chicken just steamed, not good, not good at all.
03 -
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, then toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it's fragrant – oh, that smell! It's pure heaven. Seriously, don't let it burn, that's a disaster. Then, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
04 -
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's called 'fond' and it's packed with flavor! Let it simmer for a minute or two, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. This is where the magic happens for our Marry Me Chicken!
05 -
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it's completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Then, add the baby spinach, a handful at a time, letting it wilt down. It'll look like a lot at first, but it shrinks so fast! Season the sauce with a little more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Taste it! This is your sauce, make it perfect for you.
06 -
Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Spoon some of that glorious sauce over the chicken to coat it completely. Let it warm through for another minute or two. The final result should be tender chicken drowning in a rich, vibrant, and utterly irresistible sauce. This Marry Me Chicken is seriously so good, you won't believe it came from your kitchen!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't rush the searing, get that gorgeous golden crust on your chicken.
02 -
This Marry Me Chicken stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, but the sauce can thicken; loosen with broth when reheating.
03 -
I tried swapping chicken broth for white wine once, it was a totally different, sophisticated vibe, but still good!
04 -
Garlic bread for dipping into that creamy sauce is non-negotiable for me, makes it extra special.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 40 g
Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
Protein: 35 g