Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cream Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests. Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for one more minute.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken is heated through. Stir in dried basil and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 5: Serve the chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor, or rehydrate dry-packed ones in warm water before chopping.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but note the sauce will be less thick.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, the texture of the cream sauce may change after thawing. For best results, freeze components separately or enjoy fresh.
PrintMarry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cream Sauce Recipe
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic for an irresistible meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, optional
- Additional Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 5 to 7 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for one more minute to release their flavors. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and Cook: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the cream sauce over them, and let simmer for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is heated through. Stir in dried basil and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired, for a deliciously creamy and herb-infused meal.
Notes
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be used for richer flavor; drain if using dry-packed.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, sun-dried tomato chicken, Parmesan chicken, skillet chicken, Italian chicken dish
