Description
This Marry Me Chicken is made with tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with spinach and Parmesan. Served on its own, with pasta, or alongside crusty bread, it’s a cozy, romantic meal that feels a little indulgent in the best possible way.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 pound pasta (casarecce or similar shell pasta), optional
Instructions
- If making with pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Stovetop method: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F; reduce heat slightly if the chicken is browning too quickly. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Oven method: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until lightly golden. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet once cooked.
- To the same skillet, add the onion and sauté over medium heat until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor, then pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. If the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer for another minute or stir in a little more Parmesan until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Nestle the cooked chicken back into the pan and let everything simmer together and thicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. (If adding pasta, also add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.)
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast. For even cooking, pound thicker breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Entree
