Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet
This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet is a quick and indulgent weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken breasts with tangy sun dried tomatoes and a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes and cooked all in one pan, it offers a perfect balance of rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavors with optional fresh spinach for color and nutrition. Ideal for busy evenings or anytime you want a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil), chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
Dairy
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fats & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (or a combination)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium. Add more oil or butter to the same skillet if needed. Add minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, stirring carefully to prevent garlic from burning.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring and scraping any browned bits from the pan. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens to form a creamy base.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and let everything simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to blend flavors and finish cooking the chicken.
- Finish with Fresh Spinach: Add fresh spinach leaves and stir until wilted, adding freshness and a vibrant green color to the dish. Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
- Flatten chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use a combination of olive oil and butter for enhanced flavor and to prevent burning.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if needed for proper browning.
- Choose sun dried tomatoes packed in oil for better flavor and texture.
- Keep the sauce simmering gently on low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken, One Pan Chicken Skillet, Easy Chicken Dinner, Quick Chicken Recipe, Gluten Free Dinner