Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Course: Dinner
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley before serving. Enjoy with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Avoid boiling the cream sauce to prevent it from separating.
- Add fresh spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with:
- Buttered fettuccine
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 710mg
- Calcium: 260mg
- Iron: 2mg