One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and uses just one pan, this One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a luscious creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese – all cooked in a single skillet to save time and effort. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that looks impressive but takes minimal cleanup, making it a favorite in my kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about dishes that combine simplicity with rich, decadent flavors. This One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken hits all the right notes. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth while the creamy sauce brings a silky texture that coats every bite. Toss in fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition, and the Parmesan cheese ties everything together with a salty, nutty finish. Plus, cooking everything in one pan means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal. It’s a delicious, fuss-free way to elevate your dinner routine.

Shopping List

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment Breakdown

• Large skillet or sauté pan: Essential for cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce all in one place.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping the sun-dried tomatoes and mincing garlic.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure the right balance of liquids and spices.
• Spatula or tongs: To turn the chicken and stir the sauce without breaking the breasts.

One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: How It’s Done

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. This seasoning builds the base flavor that will shine through in the final dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let them cook together for a minute to release their oils and flavor.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step creates the rich, flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Spinach

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then toss in the fresh spinach. Let the spinach wilt gently into the sauce, adding a vibrant green color and fresh taste.

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the creamy sauce. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken smothered in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce alongside your favorite sides.

What to Use Instead

• Chicken thighs: For a juicier alternative, bone-in or boneless thighs work beautifully.
• Greek yogurt or coconut cream: If you want a lighter or dairy-free option instead of heavy cream.
• Fresh basil: Instead of dried basil for a brighter herb flavor.
• Kale or Swiss chard: Can be swapped in place of spinach for a different leafy green.
• Vegetable broth: To make a vegetarian-friendly version (swap chicken for a plant-based protein).

Errors to Dodge

• Overcooking the chicken: This will make it dry and tough. Sear on medium-high heat and finish simmering gently in the sauce.

• Skipping seasoning: Properly seasoning the chicken and sauce layers flavors and prevents a bland dish.

• Using sun-dried tomatoes packed in dry form: The ones in oil bring more richness to the sauce.

• Not scraping the pan: Those browned bits add tons of flavor to the sauce—don’t forget to loosen them with the broth.

• Adding spinach too early: It wilts fast and can become mushy if added prematurely.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

This One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to re-incorporate the sauce.

For freezing, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the creamy texture and tender chicken.

Quick Q&A

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. The flavors develop even more after a day or two, and it reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

What’s the best side dish to serve with this chicken?

It pairs wonderfully with simple sides like rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. For a pasta option, try the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Penne for a matching flavor profile.

Serve with These

• Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Penne – A luscious pasta side that complements the sauce perfectly.
• Tuscan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake – Another chicken dish featuring spinach and creamy goodness.
• Garlic mashed potatoes – for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.
• Steamed or roasted asparagus – adds a fresh, crisp contrast.
• Crusty bread – perfect for dipping and savoring the sauce.

Wrap-Up

This One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is a true weeknight winner. It’s hearty yet elegant, packed with layers of flavor, and comes together with minimal effort and cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish will impress without stress. The creamy tomato sauce with spinach and Parmesan is a comforting hug on a plate, and the seared chicken breasts remain juicy and tender throughout. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides like the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Penne or the vibrant Tuscan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake for a full meal experience.

Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!

Share on Pinterest