Description
Succulent chicken breasts bathe in a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that whispers romantic Italian culinary promises. Parmesan cheese and herbs elevate this passionate dish, ensuring romantic dinner perfection you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 8-ounces (226 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- To taste kosher salt
- To taste freshly ground black pepper
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) crushed red pepper flakes
- Torn fresh basil (for garnish)
Cooking Liquids and Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25 grams) finely grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil (or 30 milliliters) in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet, cooking for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side until a deep golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside, keeping warm.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and add minced garlic, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring continuously for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour chicken broth (or 240 milliliters) into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream (or 120 milliliters), and grated Parmesan cheese (or 50 grams), stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Gently return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce and simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and coat with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves.
- Serve immediately over cooked pasta, steamed rice, or toasted crusty bread, spooning extra sauce over the chicken.
Notes
- Chicken breasts transform from basic to extraordinary with this creamy, flavor-packed sauce.
- Parmesan cheese melts seamlessly, creating a luxurious coating that makes every bite irresistible.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the rich, tangy sauce.
- Tomatoes provide a subtle acidity that balances the cream’s richness and elevates the entire dish.
- Quick one-pan method means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 180mg