Swoon-Worthy Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Recipe

My weekend dinner guests always swoon over this irresistible Tuscan marry me chicken that practically guarantees romantic promises.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients combine with unexpected flavors.

Tender chicken breasts bathe in a creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes and herbaceous spinach.

Mediterranean influences shine through each decadent bite, creating an experience beyond typical weeknight meals.

We crave dishes that feel simultaneously luxurious and effortless, and this recipe delivers perfectly.

Rich parmesan cheese melts into a velvety backdrop that makes everyone at the table request seconds.

You’ll want to serve this showstopping dish immediately after preparing to capture its most enticing moment.

Tuscan Marry Me Chicken With Rich Flavors

• Quickly Customize Flavors: Swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or add red pepper flakes for extra kick, making this recipe adaptable to personal taste preferences.
• Impress Dinner Guests: The rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seared chicken create a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes sophisticated without requiring advanced cooking skills.
• Cook in One Skillet: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking process mean less cleanup and stress, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform an ordinary evening into a special culinary experience with this Italian-inspired dish that brings gourmet flavors to your home kitchen.

Ingredients Needed To Make Tuscan Marry Me Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the primary component of this creamy Tuscan dish.

• Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Aromatic ingredients that provide a rich, intense flavor profile to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken and balance the overall dish.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy cooking oil that helps sear the chicken and create a smooth base for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that adds depth and helps deglaze the pan, capturing all the delicious browned bits.
• Heavy Cream: A luxurious ingredient that creates a rich, velvety sauce with a smooth texture.
• Spinach: A fresh, nutrient-packed green that wilts into the sauce, adding color and a subtle earthy flavor.

Stepwise Guide To Prepare Marry Me Chicken Dish

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Aromatic Flavor Base

Reduce the skillet heat to medium.

Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the same pan, allowing them to release their delicious aromatics for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Stir in heavy cream and add fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.

Step 5: Reunite and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce.

Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken and spoon the luscious sauce over the top.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this decadent Tuscan-inspired dish.

Insider Tips To Perfect Tuscan Marry Me Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, velvety sauce consistency.
• Add fresh spinach at the last moment to maintain its bright green color and prevent overcooking.
• Reduce salt if using sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth, which already contain significant sodium content.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.

Flavorful Variations To Try With Marry Me Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Vegetarian Venture: Swap chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms. Slice and marinate protein alternative before searing for enhanced flavor.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate fresh oregano and swap spinach with arugula for a Greek-inspired transformation.
• Protein Power Boost: Replace chicken with lean turkey breast or salmon fillet. Season and cook similarly, maintaining the creamy sauce's rich essence.

Pairings To Serve Alongside Marry Me Chicken

• Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay will beautifully cut through the creamy sauce and complement the rich chicken flavors, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, fresh basil, and shaved parmesan to balance the dish's richness and add a zesty contrast.
• Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or focaccia to soak up the luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, enhancing every delicious bite.

Storage Tips To Preserve Marry Me Chicken Quality

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing spinach for best texture.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Gently stir and heat until temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Is this dish suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains dairy from heavy cream and can be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free chicken broth.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

• What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a similar flavor profile and texture.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Add additional protein like crumbled bacon, grilled shrimp, or sliced grilled chicken to increase the protein content of the dish.

Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Tuscan marry me chicken brings Italian romance to your dinner table with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach dancing in a luxurious sauce. Rich parmesan and herbs create a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup heavy cream (237 milliliters)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (237 milliliters)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (150 grams)
• Olive oil for cooking (30 milliliters / 2 tablespoons)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high temperature, coating the surface with olive oil for optimal searing.
2. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
3. Place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for approximately 1-2 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
6. Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape accumulated browned bits from the skillet’s surface.
7. Incorporate heavy cream into the pan, creating a rich, velvety sauce, then gently fold in fresh spinach leaves until they wilt and become tender.
8. Carefully return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce.
9. Allow the chicken to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
10. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the chicken for maximum flavor absorption.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and consistent results.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Opt for fresh baby spinach for a brighter, fresher flavor that wilts quickly in the creamy sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg