Creamy, Romantic Skillet Dinner
This Marry Me Chicken recipe is famous for a reason — it’s creamy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. It’s the kind of easy dinner recipe that feels fancy enough for date night but simple enough for a busy weeknight meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, this one-pan chicken recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. One bite of that velvety sauce and you’ll understand how it earned its romantic name!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
📝 Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet (preferably oven-safe)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2️⃣ Sear to Golden Perfection 🍳
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove from skillet and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
3️⃣ Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute.
4️⃣ Create the Creamy Sauce ✨
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
Stir in parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and looks smooth and glossy.
5️⃣ Finish Cooking
Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece.
Simmer for 6–8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve 🌿
Top with fresh basil and extra parmesan.
Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra Flavor: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white cooking wine before adding cream.
- Thicker Sauce: Let it simmer a few extra minutes uncovered.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm over low heat with a splash of broth to keep sauce creamy.
🔄 Variations
- Spinach Addition: Stir in fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
- Mushroom Twist: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding garlic.
❓ FAQ
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The creamy, savory, slightly tangy flavor is said to be so good it could inspire a proposal!
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely — boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast, though the flavor will change slightly.