Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle evenly on both sides.
Sear to golden: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Build flavor in the pan: Lower heat to medium.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and warm through.
Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth.
Scrape up browned bits from the bottom—that’s pure flavor. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Create the cream base: Stir in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, not a hard boil.
Let it thicken for 2–3 minutes, stirring often.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle in Parmesan a little at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Add red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Finish the dish: Return chicken and any juices to the skillet.
Spoon sauce over the top. Simmer on low 2–3 minutes until the chicken is hot and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Garnish and serve: Top with chopped basil or parsley. Squeeze a little lemon over if you like brightness.
Serve with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or sautéed spinach.