If you have never experienced the rich comfort of the Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe, you are in for an absolute treat that will quickly become a beloved classic. This dish combines juicy, perfectly seared chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. The sauce is so irresistibly delicious that it might just inspire more than a few marriage proposals at your dinner table! It’s a luxurious yet straightforward meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients that harmonize perfectly. Each element plays a crucial role: from the tender chicken breasts that serve as the base, to the sun-dried tomatoes adding tang and depth, and the creamy sauce that wraps everything together with warmth and richness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Your tender protein to soak up all that amazing sauce.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These add a sweet, tangy punch with a chewy texture that transforms the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky base of the sauce that makes every bite luscious.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth while helping balance the cream.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden perfection without sticking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Will infuse the dish with irresistible aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that bring classic Italian flavor notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The essential seasoning duo that enhances every ingredient.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous pop and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then carefully place them into the hot pan. Cooking them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side forms a golden-brown crust while locking in the juicy tenderness inside. Once perfectly cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Build the Flavors
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and give it about a minute to release its fragrant notes until it becomes golden and irresistible. This step sets the aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Seasoning
Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning. Stir these together well, allowing their flavors to mingle and intensify. This mix brings an inviting burst of tangy brightness perfectly balanced by crunchy and savory elements.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture up to a simmer. Let it gently reduce by half over 3 to 5 minutes. This reducing step concentrates the flavors, preparing the sauce for the creamy finish.
Step 5: Add Heavy Cream and Return Chicken
Now, stir in the heavy cream, instantly transforming the sauce into a decadent, velvety masterpiece. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly and allow the chicken to absorb the lovely flavors fully.
Step 6: Serve with Fresh Basil
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for a fragrant and colorful touch. This final step elevates your dish into pure eye and palate delight.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect garnish to brighten this dish, adding a fresh herbal lift that complements the rich cream sauce spectacularly. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can bring in a subtle sharpness or gentle heat that enhances complexity.
Side Dishes
Pair this Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe with buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even some al dente pasta to soak up every bit of that glorious sauce. Roasted or steamed green vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli provide a crisp contrast and vibrant color balance to this indulgent entrée.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the chicken on a platter draped with fresh basil sprigs and sun-dried tomato halves for visual appeal. Drizzle a little extra sauce around the plate and finish with a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch and elegance. This dish is a guaranteed conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even further overnight, making your next meal taste just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to keep the magic around longer, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick, to restore its silky consistency and keep the chicken moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can be a tasty substitute, providing a similar sweetness and richness in the sauce.
Is there a dairy-free version of this sauce?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative, which will still yield a creamy, satisfying sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Fresh tomatoes can be used, but they won’t bring the same concentrated flavor. If you go fresh, consider cooking them down longer to achieve a richer taste.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild by default but you can easily add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat to your preference.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe that keeps people coming back for more. It’s rich and comforting, yet bright and flavorful—perfect for impressing loved ones or treating yourself. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your dinner rotation. Trust me, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
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Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasonings. This recipe is perfect for an impressive weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and cook chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Simmer with chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to reduce by half over 3-5 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Add cream and return chicken: Stir in the heavy cream, then place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
- Serve: Serve the chicken hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if you like, to add a fresh, aromatic touch.
Notes
- Use full-fat heavy cream for best sauce texture and flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add extra richness; drain if using oil-packed ones to control oiliness.
- If chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
