The 1-Pan Creamy Chicken Dinner Recipe I’m Making on Repeat

Between the temperature dropping, the sun setting earlier, and the holiday season quickly approaching, now is the time of year when I want to make the easiest dishes possible. And, since it is comfort food season, it’s a big plus when the dish only requires a few ingredients, little prep, and minimal cleanup. 

Normally, in moments like these, I turn to a one-pot soup or chili—or even my grandma’s no-fail egg noodle, tomato soup, and bacon dish. However, despite my lack of motivation for cooking an elaborate meal, it doesn’t mean I’m opposed to trying something new. And, after making a creamy baked chicken recipe I saw on TikTok, I’m so glad I didn’t turn my nose up at a new dish.

How to Make Creamy 1-Pan Chicken

TikTok user Melissajorealrecipes shared this one-pan cheesy, creamy chicken dish on social media saying, “I don’t know what to call this dinner. A chicken breast, baked in the oven, cheeses, jar of sauce, and lots of Italian stuff.” She landed on “creamy marinara chicken bake,” but no matter what the recipe’s name is, it’s worth making. 

The recipe starts with butterflied chicken breasts topped with a mixture of cream cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic, basil, parsley, spinach, Pecorino Romano, and marinara sauce. Once the cream cheese mixture is spread evenly over each chicken breast, you top the whole mixture with more Pecorino Romano and fresh mozzarella. 

You’ll bake the dish at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 30 minutes—or until the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Melissa Jo then serves the chicken over a simple bed of pasta and marinara sauce for a dinner that’s ready in under an hour.

Why I Love It

Not only is this dish so incredibly simple to make, but it’s also outrageously delicious. The cream cheese and marinara mixture reminds me of the pink sauce pasta that went viral on TikTok in 2023 but with extra herbs and spices that send it over the top. 

I also love any recipe that sneaks a few veggies in. When I made the chicken dish a second time, I served it over pasta with mushrooms and spinach mixed in. You could also add more chopped veggies—like mushrooms or diced tomatoes—to the cream cheese mixture if you’re trying to hide them from a picky eater. 

Even if I do have to make a salad on the side, any recipe that gets a complete meal on the table in under an hour is a win in my book. So, whether Melissa Jo sticks with the “creamy marinara chicken bake” name or renames it with one of her commenters’ suggestions—like “smothered Italian chicken” or “not your Nonna’s chicken Parm”—I’ll still be calling this recipe a must-make for weeknight meals.