Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a rich sun-dried tomato and fresh basil cream sauce that brings vibrant Italian flavors to your table. This italian-inspired italian ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Simmer together for 2 minutes to meld flavors, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce?

Italian italian 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes