Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken: A One-Pan Decadent Autumn Feast

Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken – Once Upon a Pumpkin

Introduction

Looking for a dinner that’s decadent, unique, and effortlessly impressive? Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken is the answer. By blending tender chicken with the creamy depth of pumpkin, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxurious sauce, this dish elevates weeknight meals into something truly memorable. It’s a one-pan masterpiece that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together quickly enough for your busiest evenings—sure to convert skeptics and please a crowd.

Deliciously Unique Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken

What sets this recipe apart is the unexpected harmony between savory pumpkin, aromatic herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. The result? A silky, autumnal sauce that clings to juicy chicken breast and delivers layers of flavor—earthy, tangy, and just a touch of sweetness. It’s cozy, rich, and packed with nutrients, making it ideal for impressing guests or spicing up your meal rotation.

Perfecting the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

The key to a showstopping Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken is a perfectly balanced sauce. Canned pure pumpkin puree blends seamlessly with heavy cream (or coconut cream for a lighter option), balanced by garlic, parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Let your sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes before adding back the browned chicken—this step infuses every bite with rich, signature flavor.

Easy Assembly for a One-Skillet Wonder

Start by searing chicken breasts until golden, then set aside. Into the same skillet go garlic and onion for flavor, followed by that glorious pumpkin, sun-dried tomatoes, broth, and a swirl of cream. Nestle the chicken back in, let it simmer gently, and you’ll have a warming dinner in under an hour—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Meal

Dish up Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken over buttered noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or garlic-infused rice. Roasted vegetables or a vibrant salad with arugula and toasted nuts provide a great contrast. Love fresh bread? Use it to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce for the full experience!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty servings. Each plate offers roughly 350–400 calories, 27g protein, and a healthy dose of vitamin A and potassium, thanks to the pumpkin. Using coconut cream or a lighter cream option will lower the overall calories without sacrificing flavor.

Deliciously Unique Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken (Recap)

By swirling together creamy pumpkin, fragrant herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish delivers a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for any night you want to celebrate flavor. It’s no wonder it’s called “Marry Me”—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved for 4 thin cutlets)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—making for stress-free shopping and streamlined meal prep!

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Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add onion. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, thyme (or Italian seasoning), and red pepper flakes. Stir for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in pumpkin puree and heavy cream (or coconut cream). Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
  7. Return chicken to skillet, nestling into the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
  8. Spoon sauce over chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken is tailor-made for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to structure your week, enable smart ingredient consolidation, and streamline all your grocery shopping.

**Planning Benefits:**

  • Calculate total ingredient quantities across several meals
  • Get shopping lists sorted by grocery section for maximum efficiency
  • Combine overlapping ingredients for all recipes—no more duplicate purchases
  • Enjoy smoother weekly meal planning and avoid forgotten items

**Pro tip:** When scheduling Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken alongside other meals, let CookifyAI automatically calculate how much chicken, broth, and herbs you’ll need across the week—helping you cut down on food waste and extra trips!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy autumn’s best flavors every week and turn dinner into something magical with Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken!

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