One Pan Chicken Cream Sauce

The name alone stopped me mid-scroll through Pinterest one rainy Tuesday evening. Marry Me Chicken. Bold claim for a pasta dish, I thought, my cursor hovering uncertainly. Three bites later, watching my normally skeptical partner reach for seconds without a word, I understood the hype completely.

I first made this for a third date, nerves running high enough that I nearly forgot to lower the heat under the cream. We ended up eating at the kitchen counter because I was too anxious to set the table properly. He still talks about that sauce.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best here, pounding them slightly ensures even cooking and tender results every time
• Sun-dried tomatoes: The oil-packed ones are essential for that concentrated sweet-tangy depth that defines this dish
• Heavy cream: Do not substitute with half-and-half or the sauce will not achieve that luxurious silky consistency
• Fresh basil: Stirred in at the end it provides a bright counterpoint to the rich cream sauce

Instructions

Season and sear the chicken:

Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before heating olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each breast for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.

Build the flavor base:

Reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan, stirring in minced garlic for just one minute until fragrant. Add sliced sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and thyme, sautéing briefly to wake up the spices.

Create the sauce:

Pour in chicken broth and use your wooden spoon to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom, then stir in heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan and red pepper flakes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Finish together:

Nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until cooked through. Stir in fresh basil before serving, spooning that gorgeous sauce over each piece.

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This recipe has become my go-to for anniversaries, dinner parties, and nights when comfort food feels absolutely necessary. Something about that combination of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy just transforms an ordinary Tuesday into something worth savoring slowly.

Making It Your Own

Chicken thighs work beautifully here if you prefer darker meat, just adjust the cooking time by a few minutes. I have added spinach in the final minutes for extra color and nutrition.

What To Serve With Marry Me Chicken

The sauce clings beautifully to pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, though crusty bread for sopping up every last drop is non-negotiable in my house. A simple green salad with acidic vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This reheats remarkably well for lunch the next day, though the sauce may need a splash of cream to regain its original silky texture when warmed. The flavors actually develop overnight, making leftovers even more coveted than the first-night meal.

• Store in an airtight container for up to three days
• Reheat gently over low heat to prevent separating
• Freeze the sauce separately for up to two months

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However you serve it, just promise me you will not rush through this meal. That sauce deserves your full attention.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred for even cooking and easy searing, but thighs can be substituted for a juicier result.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Yes, dried basil can be used if fresh is unavailable, but fresh basil added at the end provides a brighter flavor.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a little longer to reduce liquid or add a small amount of grated Parmesan to help thicken it naturally.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative; nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for flavor.

→ What sides complement this chicken dish well?

Serve with pasta, steamed rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce elegantly.