If you are looking to wow your taste buds with a rich yet quick dish, this Indulgent Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken in 30 Minutes Recipe is your new best friend. It brings together tender chicken cutlets bathed in a luscious sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy Parmesan goodness, all ready in half an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers restaurant-level flavor and comfort with surprisingly simple ingredients that pack a punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient has a starring role, from the creamy texture that heavy cream adds to the brightness and umami depth of sun-dried tomatoes. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
- Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and a tender bite every time.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth in the background.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties the dish together with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Brings a concentrated, rich tomato flavor and a lovely texture to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: For a silky, indulgent sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Garlic (minced): Builds aromatic depth and savory punch.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding nutty complexity and richness.
- Chicken Broth: Used to deglaze and infuse the sauce with savory goodness.
- Cheese Ravioli or Pasta: Your base to soak up all that creamy sauce—choose your favorite kind!
- Fresh Parsley: A bright, herbaceous finish for color and a fresh bite.
How to Make Indulgent Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken in 30 Minutes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin cutlets so they cook quickly and evenly. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. This simple step builds the foundation of flavor and ensures each bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Warm a skillet over medium heat and add the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes—that’s where a ton of flavor lives! Sear the chicken cutlets for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Getting this caramelization adds so much dimension to the dish.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—don’t let it burn. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their sweet, tangy goodness.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the skillet. These bits hold a treasure trove of flavor. Let the broth simmer gently to reduce slightly and concentrate those savory notes.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan
Now stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken into a sumptuous sauce. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, transforming the sauce into a rich, velvety delight that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Step 6: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes so the chicken soaks up all those gorgeous flavors and finishes cooking to juicy perfection.
Step 7: Cook Pasta
While the chicken simmers, cook your cheese ravioli or preferred pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and get ready to plate this stellar dish.
Step 8: Plate and Garnish
Arrange the pasta on plates and spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb aroma. Now you’re ready to dive into this indulgent, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal!
How to Serve Indulgent Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken in 30 Minutes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an ideal garnish here because it brings a lively contrast to the rich sauce and chicken. You can also add a few shavings of Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy punch and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for visual appeal and spice.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own with pasta, but if you want to add a side, consider a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli are also excellent choices to inject some freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, plate the chicken cutlets atop pillows of pasta on warm plates, drizzle the sauce artistically around, and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for an elevated look. Serving it family-style in a large skillet on the table brings a cozy, inviting vibe that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy sun-dried tomato chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the sauce and pasta together to preserve the flavors melding beautifully overnight.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but is best frozen without pasta for texture reasons. Portion the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container and it will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Reheat the pasta separately in boiling water or microwave for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, but you may need to adjust cooking time slightly since thighs are thicker and have more fat.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
You can use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes but rehydrate them in hot water for about 10 minutes first. Then add a splash of olive oil to replicate the oil-packed flavor.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for heavy cream?
Yes, coconut cream or cashew cream makes a lovely dairy-free substitute, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor. For a neutral taste, try blending soaked cashews with water to create a creamy base.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta or serve the chicken and sauce over rice or quinoa for a grain-free option.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s very mild in spice, relying mainly on savory herbs and the natural richness of the ingredients. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat kick.
Final Thoughts
This Indulgent Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken in 30 Minutes Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes because it is so rich in flavor yet wonderfully simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a special occasion on a busy night. I encourage you to give it a try and savor the delicious combination of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous notes all in one quick and satisfying meal.
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Indulgent Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken in 30 Minutes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Indulgent Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner. Tender chicken cutlets are seared and simmered in a luscious creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Served over cheese ravioli or your favorite pasta and garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe combines savory, tangy, and creamy elements in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
Sauce
- 1 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces Cheese Ravioli or Pasta (or your choice of pasta)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets and season evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure flavorful meat.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Place the seasoned chicken cutlets in the skillet and sear them for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Deglaze Skillet: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a spoon. Let this simmer gently to concentrate flavor.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to bubble gently until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Melt Parmesan: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the sauce, enriching its flavor and texture.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet. Let them simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors from the creamy sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the cheese ravioli or your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well once cooked.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the cooked pasta or ravioli, top with the creamy sun-dried tomato chicken mixture, and garnish with fresh parsley for a fresh, herby finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to sear the chicken as it adds richness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer before adding the Parmesan cheese.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option, though this will affect richness.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a fresh herbal note; feel free to substitute with basil if desired.
- Cheese ravioli enhances the indulgence, but any pasta can be used as a base.
