This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet is the perfect combination of rich creaminess, bright tomato flavor, and tender seared chicken—all cooked in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that feels luxurious without being complicated. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet-tart intensity that balances beautifully with the savory garlic and the silkiness of the cream sauce. I once tried this with a splash of oat milk alongside the cream, and it still produced a velvety sauce with a lighter finish. Whether served over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a bed of sautéed greens, this skillet brings comfort and elegance to the table in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet meal delivers an impressive depth of flavor with very little effort. The chicken turns golden and juicy, the sun-dried tomatoes infuse the sauce with their signature tang, and the cream ties everything together in a velvety finish. It’s simple enough for weeknights but polished enough for entertaining. Even better, it’s easy to customize with extra vegetables, herbs, or a dash of white wine. The one-pan aspect also means easy cleanup—a bonus for busy cooks who still crave something comforting and delicious.
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet – A Rich, Vibrant, One-Pan Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce with Parmesan and spinach. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet is an elegant yet easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra if needed)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and include a bit of the oil in the sauce.
- Substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless breasts sear beautifully and stay tender when finished in the creamy sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Provide sweet, tangy depth and a concentrated tomato flavor. Oil-packed tomatoes work best for richness.
Garlic – Adds aromatic warmth and enhances the savory flavors in the sauce.
Olive Oil – Used both for searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic and tomatoes.
Butter – Helps create a silky base for the sauce and adds richness.
Heavy Cream – The foundation of the creamy sauce. Coconut milk or oat milk can be used for a lighter or dairy-free variation.
Chicken Broth – Helps thin the cream slightly and adds savory depth.
Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce, giving it body and a nutty, savory finish.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the sun-dried tomatoes and gives the sauce comforting, familiar flavor.
Spinach (Optional) – Adds color, nutrients, and light earthiness that complements the richness of the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.
Directions
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
Lower the heat slightly and melt butter in the skillet. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly to release their flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning and a handful of Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Add spinach during the last couple of minutes, if using, allowing it to wilt into the sauce.
Serve warm, spooning extra sauce over the chicken. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or simple roasted vegetables.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with eas
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, with 25 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 35 minutes—ideal for a quick but hearty dinner.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat, as creamy sauces can separate.
Variations and Customizations
White Wine Boost – Add a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the garlic for extra depth.
Mushroom Addition – Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the garlic for an earthy twist.
Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat.
Herb Upgrade – Stir in fresh basil, parsley, or thyme before serving for a bright finish.
Tomato Blend – Add a spoonful of tomato paste for richer color and flavor.
Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut milk, olive oil, and vegan Parmesan.
Protein Swap – Replace chicken with turkey cutlets, pork chops, or shrimp.
Veggie Boost – Add asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for more texture and color.
Extra Cheesy – Stir in additional Parmesan or a bit of mozzarella for a thicker, cheesier sauce.
Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of pasta.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy.
2. Do sun-dried tomatoes need to be drained?
If oil-packed, drain lightly but keep some oil for flavor. If dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut milk and vegan cheese alternatives.
4. What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients ahead, but the sauce is best fresh.
6. Why did my sauce separate?
High heat can cause cream to split—simmer gently on low.
7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder compared to sun-dried tomatoes.
8. What sides pair best?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables complement it well.
9. Can I freeze this dish?
Cream sauces don’t freeze well; best enjoyed fresh.
10. How do I get the chicken golden?
Pat it dry before searing and avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Conclusion
The Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet is a comforting, flavorful dish that transforms everyday ingredients into something special. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant tomato flavor, it delivers warmth and elegance in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this skillet meal promises richness, balance, and satisfying comfort—all in one pan.
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