Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken is a rich and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, a luscious garlic cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s packed with flavor, and the sauce is silky with just the right touch of herbs, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
I love making this when I want something a bit special without spending hours in the kitchen. The sun-dried tomatoes add a nice tangy pop that balances perfectly with the creamy sauce, and the spinach brings a fresh, mild green flavor. I always find that this dish impresses guests or makes a weeknight feel fancy.
My favorite way to serve this is over a bed of warm pasta or alongside mashed potatoes — both soak up the sauce beautifully. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration on a plate, and I think it’s easy to see why it’s called “Marry Me” chicken!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps this dish tender and quick to cook. If you want juicier meat, try chicken thighs—they add more flavor and stay moist.
Sun-dried tomatoes: They bring a tangy sweetness that’s hard to replace. If you don’t have any, roasted red peppers work well too, giving a milder but tasty twist.
Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese: These create the rich, creamy sauce. For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Spinach and fresh basil: Spinach adds fresh greens and color. Kale or arugula can be substituted if you prefer a stronger leafy flavor. Fresh herbs at the end brighten the dish beautifully.
How Do I Cook Chicken So It’s Juicy and Not Dry?
Cooking chicken breasts perfectly is key here. Follow these simple steps:
- Pat chicken dry and season well with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in the pan until hot before adding chicken.
- Cook without moving for 5-7 minutes on each side to get a golden crust.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C) or by cutting to peek inside.
- Remove chicken from the pan before making the sauce to prevent overcooking.
These steps lock in moisture and give you flavorful, tender chicken every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for searing chicken and making the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Tongs – help you flip chicken easily without tearing the meat.
- Sharp knife – to slice garlic, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes precisely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep your sauce balance just right every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for tender chicken thighs if you like juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts to the sauce for extra texture and earthiness.
- Use kale instead of spinach for a slightly stronger green flavor that holds up well in the sauce.
- Stir in a little sun-dried tomato pesto or swap Parmesan for goat cheese for a tangy twist.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For The Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta or mashed potatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken, then about 15-20 minutes making the creamy Tuscan sauce and bringing everything together. It’s a wonderful recipe for a flavorful weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Cook the Chicken:
Begin by sprinkling salt and pepper generously on both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Then, take the chicken out of the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce Base:
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onions and garlic. Stir and cook them until they are soft and fragrant, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional minute to bring out their flavor.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring gently to mix everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then add grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little spice. Let the sauce thicken for about 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Finish the Dish:
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes so the chicken heats through and all the flavors blend.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken and sauce for a bright, fresh touch. Serve your Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken over cooked pasta or mashed potatoes, making sure to spoon plenty of that delicious sauce on top. Dig in and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce, then store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly and prevent the sauce from separating.
What Can I Serve with Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even steamed vegetables to soak up the creamy sauce.
