Marry Me Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato: Creamy, Hearty Dinner (Print Version)

Marry Me Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. Tender chicken in a rich, dreamy cream sauce with savory sun-dried tomatoes. Your new favorite weeknight meal!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American-Italian
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Poultry

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken & Base

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Creamy Sauce Essentials

04 - 1 (8.5 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (reserve 1 tbsp oil)
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, honestly)
06 - 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
07 - 1.5 cups heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Flavor Boosters

09 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
10 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach
12 - Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, pat those chicken breasts super dry. This is critical for a good sear, honestly. If they're wet, they'll steam, not brown, and we want that beautiful golden crust! Season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat with a little olive oil or that reserved sun-dried tomato oil. You want it shimmering, ready for action. I always forget to season one side, oops, so double-check!
02 - Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if you need to, or the temperature drops. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they're beautifully golden brown and cooked through. I love the smell of searing chicken, it just promises a good meal! This is where I almost always get distracted and overcook one side just a smidge, but hey, character, right? Remove the chicken and set it aside.
03 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add a splash more oil if needed, then toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until it's fragrant – don't let it burn, that's a bitter disaster waiting to happen! Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. They'll warm up and release even more of their amazing flavor. The kitchen smells absolutely divine at this point, like a rustic Italian dream!
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's called deglazing, and it's where all the good flavor lives! Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken a bit. This is where the sauce starts to look like pure comfort. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes here for a little kick, just because.
05 - Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and smooth. The sauce will get even richer and more luxurious. Now, add the fresh spinach, stirring until it just wilts down. It disappears so fast, you'll wonder where it went! This step always feels like the grand finale, everything coming together.
06 - Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into that gorgeous, creamy sauce. Spoon some of that delicious sauce over the chicken to coat it completely. Let it warm through for a minute or two. The final dish should look incredibly inviting, smell heavenly, and taste like a big, warm hug. I usually serve it straight from the pan, family-style, because honestly, who wants extra dishes?

# Notes:

01 - Patting chicken dry before searing is a game-changer for that golden crust, I learned that the hard way.
02 - To reheat leftovers, use the stovetop on low heat with a splash of broth; the microwave can make the sauce separate.
03 - If you're out of spinach, a handful of kale (chopped fine) works, but cook it a bit longer to tenderize.
04 - Serve this with crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that incredible sauce, it's a must!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet (preferably cast iron)
02 - Cutting board
03 - Sharp knife
04 - Whisk
05 - Tongs

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 45g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 45g

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