Indulge in the rich flavors of Chicken with Pecorino Cream Sauce—a simple yet sophisticated dish that brings Italian flair to your table.
Succulent chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection, then enveloped in a velvety sauce crafted from Pecorino Romano, known for its sharp, salty bite.
The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, complements the savory depth of the Pecorino, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
How To Make Chicken With Pecorino Cream Sauce?
Preparation Times: 15 minutes
Cooking Times: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Yields: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 handful baby spinach or arugula (optional, for color and earthiness)
Instructions
Step-1. Prepare the chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step-2. Create the base sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the shallots become translucent.
Step-3. Deglaze and build flavor
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for about 1-2 minutes.
Step-4. Make the cream sauce
Reduce the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring constantly to help the cheeses melt and blend smoothly into the sauce.
Step-5. Season the Sauce
Stir in the dried oregano and fresh thyme leaves. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to soften and infuse the sauce with their flavor.
Step-6. Finish and assemble
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to reheat.
Step-7. Add greens (Optional)
If desired, add a handful of baby spinach or arugula, stirring gently until just wilted. This will add a fresh, earthy contrast to the dish.
Step-8. Serve
Garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves and a grated Pecorino Romano cheese sprinkle. Serve hot, paired with crusty bread, pasta, or steamed vegetables to soak up the creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken With Pecorino Cream Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Serving Suggestions
❖ Pasta: Serve over fettuccine or linguine to soak up the creamy sauce.
❖ Mashed Potatoes: The rich sauce complements the creamy texture of mashed potatoes.
❖ Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make for a balanced meal.
❖ Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Tips and Variations
❖ Cheese Substitution: If Pecorino Romano is unavailable, you can use all Parmesan cheese, though the flavor will be milder.
❖ Herb Variations: Fresh basil or parsley can be used in place of thyme for a different flavor profile.
❖ Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic and shallots for added depth.
❖ Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
Health Benefits Of Chicken With Pecorino Cream Sauce
Protein-Rich
Chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth.
Calcium
Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses are good sources of calcium, supporting bone health.
Antioxidants
Sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs offer antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
Special Note
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking. This adds a subtle zest that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
FAQS
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. To maintain thickness, consider adding a teaspoon of flour when sautéing the garlic and shallots.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is gluten-free. Ensure that the chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes used are gluten-free certified.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat the sauce gently and add freshly cooked chicken before serving.
Conclusion
Chicken with Pecorino Cream Sauce is a delectable dish that brings together the savory flavors of Italian cuisine in a comforting and satisfying way.
With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Chicken With Pecorino Cream Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small shallot finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Pecorino Romano cheese finely grated
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves plus extra for garnish
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 handful baby spinach or arugula optional, for color and earthiness
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the shallots become translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for about 1-2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring constantly to help the cheeses melt and blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Stir in the dried oregano and fresh thyme leaves. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to soften and infuse the sauce with their flavor.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to reheat.
- If desired, add a handful of baby spinach or arugula, stirring gently until just wilted. This will add a fresh, earthy contrast to the dish.
- Garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves and a grated Pecorino Romano cheese sprinkle. Serve hot, paired with crusty bread, pasta, or steamed vegetables to soak up the creamy sauce.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.