Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is the kind of comforting dinner that feels elegant while still being incredibly easy to prepare. Juicy chicken breasts are simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce filled with savory Parmesan cheese and tangy sun-dried tomatoes that add bold flavor to every bite.
What makes this recipe truly irresistible is the balance between creamy richness and bright Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a slightly sweet and tangy depth that cuts through the creamy sauce perfectly. I once added fresh spinach and a little extra garlic, and the result tasted like a restaurant-quality skillet meal.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or whenever you want a comforting homemade dish that looks impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.
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Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes That’s Rich, Flavorful, and Perfect for Cozy Dinners
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a rich and comforting skillet dish featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a garlic parmesan cream sauce with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted if using.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide the best flavor.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.
- Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts provide tender, juicy protein and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes add rich tangy flavor and a slightly sweet Mediterranean taste.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates the silky, luxurious texture of the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese adds salty richness and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Garlic
Fresh garlic gives the dish bold savory flavor and depth.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth balances the creaminess and adds extra savory flavor.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps create a flavorful sauce base.
Olive Oil
Olive oil helps sear the chicken until golden and juicy.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning adds warm herb flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Spinach
Spinach adds freshness, color, and extra nutrition to the dish.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds mild warmth and balances the creamy ingredients.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors throughout the recipe.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil adds brightness and a fresh finish before serving.
Directions
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly to release their flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen the browned bits.
Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for several minutes so the flavors blend together.
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover creamy chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, although cream sauces may separate slightly after thawing.
Variations and Customizations
For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs stay especially juicy and pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
You can add mushrooms for extra earthy depth. Sauté them before adding the garlic to create a more savory and hearty sauce.
If you enjoy spicy dishes, add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste. The heat balances perfectly with the creamy texture.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce will still be creamy but less rich.
This recipe also works wonderfully with pasta. Toss cooked fettuccine or penne directly into the skillet so the noodles absorb the creamy sauce.
You can replace spinach with kale or arugula depending on your preference. Both greens add freshness and texture.
For extra cheesy flavor, top the finished dish with mozzarella and broil briefly until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 690 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Sear the chicken well: Golden chicken adds deeper flavor to the sauce.
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: They are softer and more flavorful.
Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the cream sauce to keep it smooth.
Add spinach at the end: This keeps the greens vibrant and fresh.
Serve with crusty bread or pasta: The creamy sauce is too good to waste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy.
What are the best sun-dried tomatoes to use?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
Can I freeze Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Yes, but cream sauces may separate slightly after reheating.
What should I serve with this dish?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer it longer or add a little extra Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is rich, comforting, and filled with bold savory flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, silky Parmesan cream sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates an easy homemade dinner that feels elegant enough for special occasions while still being simple enough for weeknights. Perfectly creamy and deeply satisfying, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
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