Indulgent Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken for Busy Weeknights

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a quick and delightful weeknight meal that combines tender chicken with a rich, velvety tomato basil sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Main protein; provides heartiness.
1 tablespoon Olive oil Adds flavor and moisture; necessary for sautéing.

For the Seasoning

1 teaspoon Garlic powder Enhances flavor; can substitute with fresh garlic if preferred.
1 teaspoon Onion powder Adds depth; swap for finely chopped onion for a fresher taste.
1 teaspoon Dried oregano Offers herbal notes; use fresh for a more robust flavor.
½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional heat enhancer; omit for a milder dish.
to taste Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.

For the Sauce

4 cloves Minced garlic Fresh flavor component; be cautious of burning while sautéing.
1 cup Chopped yellow onion Provides sweetness and texture; can use white onion.
28 oz Crushed tomatoes Base of the sauce; can substitute with diced tomatoes.
8 oz Tomato sauce Adds richness to the sauce; keep for a smooth texture.
1 cup Heavy cream For creaminess; substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
1 cup Fresh basil Vital for flavor; do not substitute dried basil for the same fresh taste.
1 teaspoon Granulated sugar Balances acidity from tomatoes; optional but recommended.

For the Toppings and Serving

½ cup Parmesan cheese Serves as a garnish for flavor; can replace with Pecorino Romano.
8 oz Pasta Acts as a base; any cooked pasta works, including gluten-free options.
1 cup Fresh mozzarella balls Optional for topping; adds creaminess.
1 cup Spinach Optional addition to the sauce for nutrition and color.

Equipment

skillet
Meat Mallet
Mixing Bowl

Method

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them to an even thickness, about ½ inch.
Season the Chicken: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Season both sides of the chicken.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add sugar and adjust seasoning. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check the consistency as it simmers.
Add Cream and Basil: Stir in heavy cream and basil, simmering gently for 3-5 minutes without boiling.
Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the chicken back in the skillet, spooning sauce over it.
Simmer Together: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Serve: Plate cooked pasta or rice, top with chicken and sauce, and garnish with basil and parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistency in cooking. Use fresh basil and quality cream for the best flavor. Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling, and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.

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