Marry Me Chicken

Legend has it this dish is so delicious, it's guaranteed to win over the heart of anyone who tries it! Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered in a luxurious, creamy sauce flavored with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. It's a surprisingly simple yet spectacularly flavorful meal that's perfect for a special weeknight dinner or a romantic date night at home.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle heat)

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Aromatic Base
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Return the seared chicken breasts and any accumulated juices back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish
Garnish with freshly chopped basil right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Over Pasta: Serve alongside fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle to soak up the incredible sauce.

• With Bread: A crusty loaf of garlic bread or a slice of rustic sourdough is perfect for dipping.

• With Veggies: Pair with a simple side like roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a fresh arugula salad.

Chef's Notes

• Chicken Thickness: For even cooking, if your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even ½-inch thickness before seasoning.

• Don't Crowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if your skillet isn't large enough to avoid steaming.

• Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best, smoothest sauce, avoid using pre-shredded Parmesan cheese which contains anti-caking agents.

• Cream Substitute: For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce will be less rich.