A rich and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Perfect for a cozy dinner and ready in under 40 minutes.
📝 Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Base:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown). - Create the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Add Cheese & Tomatoes:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir to blend the flavors. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. - Wilt the Spinach:
Add the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. - Return the Chicken:
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. - Garnish & Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped basil if desired. Serve hot with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
💡 Tips:
- For extra richness, substitute part of the cream with cream cheese.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Chicken thighs also work great in this recipe if you prefer dark meat.