Hello, fellow foodies! Today, we’re venturing into the heart of Italian cuisine—a place where rich flavors, comforting aromas, and simple ingredients transform the most ordinary dish into a heavenly experience. We’ll be crafting a Hearty Italian Delight with sun-dried tomato and basil stuffed chicken breasts, all enveloped in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a dish that perfectly balances vibrant freshness with indulgent creaminess.
Cooking is a cherished pastime in my household—a moment to slow down, savor the process, and bring together diverse flavors from around the world right into our kitchen. My wife and I often find ourselves gravitating toward Italian dishes because of the warmth and love that seems to seep from every bite. This particular recipe is one of our favorites because it brings the essence of an Italian meal—a comforting yet sophisticated feel—right to your dining table.
Now onto the star of the show: our stuffed chicken breast. The inspiration came to me when I was flipping through memories of an Italian vacation, during which every meal was an aromatic event. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil is an homage to those vivid memories. The sweet, tangy notes of tomato paired with the peppery freshness of basil create a filling that’s both hearty and light.
When it comes to the sauce, I find the creamy Parmesan base really elevates this dish. It adds a layer of luxury and depth to the meal while effortlessly uniting the flavors. It’s amazing what a little cream and cheese can do!
Whether you’re preparing this for a romantic dinner or a family feast, this dish packs a punch with both taste and visual appeal. The golden seared chicken, packed with vibrant herbs, is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
I invite you to try this recipe and make your kitchen a haven of Italian delight. Add your own touch if you wish—perhaps a sprinkle of crushed chili for some heat or a side of roasted veggies. And please, let me know how it turns out! Cooking is always better when shared.
Buon appetito, dear friends! May your culinary adventures be as full and exciting as mine.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 150g each)
– 100g sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
– 100g fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 150g cream cheese, softened
– 50g grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 150ml double cream
– 50ml chicken stock
– Lemon zest from 1 lemon
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Prepare the chicken breasts by carefully slicing each one horizontally to create a pocket, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil leaves, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with an equal portion of the tomato and basil mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) is reached.
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, covering with foil to keep warm.
8. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the double cream and chicken stock, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
9. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the lemon zest and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
10. Return the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy Parmesan sauce over each piece.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Enjoy your hearty Italian delight of sun-dried tomato and basil stuffed chicken breast with a creamy Parmesan sauce!
