Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, finished with a luscious sun-dried tomato and fresh basil cream sauce. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends salt, black pepper, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits. Let it reduce by half, about 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Step 7: Return chicken breasts to the pan and spoon sauce over them. Serve immediately with pasta or crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce?
Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.