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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

creamy marry me chicken - featured image

A quick and easy creamy chicken dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, perfect for cozy dinners with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g), pounded slightly for even cooking
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil recommended)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach (about 90 g), loosely packed, washed and roughly chopped if large leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. (2 minutes)
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan without crowding. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest. (12-15 minutes)
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt. (2 minutes)
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen flavorful bits. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes. (3 minutes)
  6. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon—about 5-7 minutes. (7 minutes)
  7. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until wilted and vibrant green, about 2 minutes. (2 minutes)
  8. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and let everything heat together for 2-3 minutes. (3 minutes)
  9. Give the sauce a final taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Optionally, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after searing to keep it juicy. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Deglaze the pan well to capture flavor. Control heat to prevent cream sauce from scorching. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. If sauce is too thick, add more broth or cream; if too thin, simmer longer. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, easy dinner, quick recipe, comfort food, gluten-free, low-carb