Creamy Marry Me Chicken: A Hearty Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Creamy Marry Me Chicken in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a special meal or a cozy night in. Easy to make and always a hit!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Meat
# Ingredients:
→ Main Stars
01 -
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Sauce & Flavor Base
03 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and sliced
05 -
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
06 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
07 -
1 tbsp tomato paste
08 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
09 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
10 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
11 -
2 cups fresh spinach, packed
12 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
13 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
14 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, pat those chicken breasts super dry. This is critical for getting a good sear, trust me on this one. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're beautifully golden brown. They won't be cooked through, and that's okay! We're just building flavor here. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. I always get a little messy at this stage, but that golden crust is so worth it.
02 -
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add another splash of olive oil if needed. Toss in your minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes are softened. Oh, the smell at this point is just incredible – it fills the whole kitchen! Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter so fast. This is where the magic really starts to happen for the sauce, honestly.
03 -
Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute, letting it toast a bit. This deepens the flavor, you know? Then, pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained!) and the chicken broth. Add those red pepper flakes if you're using them. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's pure gold! Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. This is where the sauce really starts to come alive, bubbling away and smelling absolutely divine.
04 -
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the simmering sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once the chicken is done, remove it again to a clean plate. Now, stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Let it gently simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and become wonderfully luscious. This step makes the 'Creamy Marry Me Chicken' truly live up to its name!
05 -
Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, letting it wilt into the warm sauce. It'll seem like a lot at first, but it wilts down to almost nothing, I promise! Once the spinach has softened, return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning some of that gorgeous sauce over them. This ensures every piece of this delicious chicken is coated in flavor. This is where things start to look really good, and my kitchen, despite the chaos, smells heavenly.
06 -
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce. Tear some fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of color and a fresh aroma. Seriously, don't skip the fresh basil; it just elevates the whole dish. Serve immediately with your favorite sides – pasta, rice, or crusty bread are all fantastic choices. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and clinging beautifully to the chicken. Take a moment to admire your handiwork before digging in. You earned it!