The creamy tomato basil chicken is everything you love in a comforting dinner tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and simmered in a silky, tomato-basil cream sauce that’s full of flavor. Each bite is rich and balanced with garlic, herbs, and a hint of Parmesan to elevate the entire dish. This easy skillet dinner comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Directions:
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Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds.
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Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
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Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy tomato basil sauce. Simmer for 3-4 more minutes.
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Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts: A Comforting Skillet Classic
In the world of weeknight dinners, nothing beats a dish that’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. That’s exactly what you get with Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts a dish that blends the richness of cream, the tang of tomatoes, and the herbal brightness of fresh basil into one skillet masterpiece. This is the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet approachable, elevated yet incredibly easy to make.
This tomato basil chicken recipe is a household favorite for good reason. It’s made with ingredients most of us already have on hand, comes together in about 30 minutes, and can be served in a multitude of ways to suit just about any dietary preference or craving. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to impress someone with your culinary skills, this dish never fails.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
The combination of tomatoes, basil, and garlic is a cornerstone of Italian-inspired cooking. These ingredients are simple, yet when paired with a creamy element and juicy, pan-seared chicken, they transform into something luxurious. Inspired by the flavor profile of a classic tomato basil pasta or Tuscan chicken, this recipe offers a rich, savory sauce without relying on complicated methods or obscure ingredients.
Cream-based sauces often carry a sense of nostalgia for many people. They’re associated with warmth, family dinners, and comfort especially when spooned generously over pasta or mopped up with bread. This recipe leans into that experience with just the right balance of acidity and creaminess, making it suitable for both casual meals and more formal occasions.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the cream, while the garlic and Parmesan add depth and umami. Fresh basil adds a fragrant herbal note that lightens the dish just enough to keep it from feeling heavy. By searing the chicken first, you also get a lovely caramelized crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
This dish is also incredibly forgiving. You can swap out ingredients depending on what you have. No heavy cream? Try using half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free twist. Want more veggies? Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Prefer dark meat? Chicken thighs work just as beautifully and bring even more flavor.
Ideal Pairings and Serving Suggestions
One of the great things about creamy tomato basil chicken is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. Depending on your mood or dietary needs, there are countless ways to enjoy it:
Pasta
A classic pairing! Linguine, penne, or fettuccine soak up that creamy tomato sauce beautifully. Top it with extra Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves for the perfect finish.
Rice
Fluffy white rice or brown rice provides a neutral base that highlights the sauce. For a more elevated option, try it with a garlic butter rice pilaf.
Mashed Potatoes
If you’re going for full-on comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes are the way to go. The savory tomato sauce complements the richness of the potatoes in the most satisfying way.
Crusty Bread
A rustic sourdough or garlic bread can be used to mop up every last drop of sauce. This is perfect for those nights when you want something simple but indulgent.
Low-Carb Options
For a lighter meal, serve the chicken with steamed vegetables, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or a cauliflower mash. The dish is naturally low in carbs if you skip the pasta or grains.
Nutritional Considerations
This recipe can be easily tailored to suit different dietary needs. While it’s not vegetarian or vegan by default, it is naturally gluten-free as long as all packaged ingredients are verified as gluten-free. You can reduce the calorie content by using light cream or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Here’s what you typically get per serving:
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High protein from the chicken breasts
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Healthy fats from olive oil and cream
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Rich in calcium and umami from Parmesan cheese
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Antioxidants from tomatoes and fresh basil
If you’re following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, this dish is an excellent fit just pair it with low-carb sides. For those watching saturated fat, opt for a lighter dairy substitute and consider reducing the Parmesan or using a dairy-free version.
Time-Saving Tips
While the dish is already relatively quick, there are a few ways to speed it up even more:
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Use thin-cut chicken breasts or slice them horizontally to reduce cooking time.
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Prep ingredients ahead of time: mince garlic, chop basil, and measure out your broth and cream.
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Make the sauce ahead: You can even prepare the sauce a day in advance and simply reheat it with the chicken.
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Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze portions of the sauce (without the cream, which you can add upon reheating) for fast future dinners.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers of creamy tomato basil chicken are just as good if not better the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as that can cause the cream to separate.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Just allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly for best results.
Variations to Try
This dish is flexible enough to inspire creativity. Here are a few ideas:
Spicy Tomato Basil Chicken
Add more red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for a fiery kick.
Tuscan-Style Tomato Chicken
Include sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a splash of white wine for more complexity.
Tomato Basil Chicken Thighs
Substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs for a juicier, richer bite.
Tomato Basil Shrimp
Use large peeled shrimp instead of chicken. Shrimp cook quickly and work beautifully with the creamy sauce.
The Crowd-Pleaser You Didn’t Know You Needed
What makes creamy tomato basil chicken so popular isn’t just its flavor it’s how reliably it turns an ordinary day into something special. The smell alone garlic sautéing in olive oil, tomato mingling with herbs, cream swirling in feels like a warm hug in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish you make once and keep coming back to, knowing it will always deliver.
It also fits just about every kind of gathering. A simple weeknight meal with your family. A romantic dinner served with candlelight and wine. A meal-prep option that brightens up weekday lunches. Its versatility, approachability, and depth of flavor make it an essential part of your dinner rotation.
Conclusion:
In a culinary world full of trends and complexities, Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts are a reminder that simple food when done right is deeply satisfying. This recipe combines familiar ingredients in a harmonious way that feels both nourishing and special. It’s a celebration of balanced flavors, quick cooking, and the comfort of home.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish empowers you to create something delicious with minimal fuss. Add it to your weekly menu, experiment with variations, and most importantly, share it with the people you love. Good food has a way of bringing people together and this creamy, dreamy tomato basil chicken does exactly that.