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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can diced tomatoes - Fresh basil leaves - Olive oil - Dried oregano - Red pepper flakes - Heavy cream - Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper For this creamy tomato basil chicken, I focus on a few key ingredients. First, the chicken breasts are your main protein source. I love using boneless and skinless chicken for this dish. It cooks quickly and stays juicy. Next, I use a can of diced tomatoes. They bring a sweet and tangy flavor that blends perfectly. Fresh basil is a must. Its bright taste adds freshness to the creamy sauce. Now, let’s talk about pantry staples. Olive oil is my go-to for cooking. It helps to sear the chicken and adds flavor. Dried oregano brings an earthy note, while red pepper flakes give a hint of heat. You can skip them if you want a milder dish. For the creamy part, I use heavy cream. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor and thickens the sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients come together to make a dish that is rich and full of flavor. Each element plays a role in creating a delicious meal you will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Seasoning the chicken breasts: Start by sprinkling salt and pepper on both sides of each chicken breast. This adds flavor to the meat. 2. Searing the chicken in olive oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown color. When done, remove the chicken and set it aside. 1. Sautéing the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add 1 small chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns clear. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute until it smells great. 2. Adding tomatoes and spices to create flavor: Stir in a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps combine the flavors. 1. Making the sauce creamy with heavy cream and cheese: Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to mix. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. Now, mix in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the sauce rich and smooth. 2. Final steps to combine chicken with sauce and serve: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm it up. Serve the chicken on top of cooked pasta like fettuccine or penne. Pour extra sauce over the top for a delicious finish. To get that creamy texture, simmering is key. Simmering helps blend flavors and thicken the sauce. After adding the heavy cream, let it simmer for three to four minutes. This is how you get that rich taste. For melting Parmesan cheese smoothly, add it at the end. Turn down the heat to low so it doesn't clump. Stir it in slowly. This way, the cheese blends nicely into the sauce. You can boost the flavor with more spices and herbs. Try adding a pinch of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme. For a kick, red pepper flakes add heat. You can adjust this based on your taste. Marinating the chicken before cooking adds extra flavor. Use salt, pepper, and olive oil. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step makes the chicken juicy and tasty. If you want to switch things up, try grilling or baking the chicken. Grilling gives a smoky flavor. Baking keeps the chicken moist. Both methods work well with this recipe. When serving, pasta is a great choice. Fettuccine or penne pairs well with the sauce. If you want something lighter, serve the chicken without pasta. It’s delicious either way! Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor that dried basil cannot replicate; add it at the end of cooking for the best taste. Choose the Right Pasta: Fettuccine or penne works great with this sauce, but feel free to use your favorite type of pasta for a personal touch. Adjust the Spice Level: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes; for a milder dish, skip them altogether or use less. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy and safe results. {{image_2}} Making it dairy-free You can make this dish dairy-free easily. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut milk or cashew cream. Both options give a rich texture. They add a slight sweetness too. This makes the dish creamy without dairy. Substituting chicken with tofu or vegetables If you want a plant-based option, try tofu or veggies. Firm tofu works well. Press it first to remove extra water. You can also use mushrooms or zucchini. These add flavor and texture. Cook them until they are golden brown for the best result. Adding sun-dried tomatoes for additional depth Sun-dried tomatoes can enhance the flavor. They bring a sweet and tangy taste. Chop them up and add them when you mix in the diced tomatoes. This gives a nice depth to the sauce. Incorporating other herbs like thyme or parsley You can mix other herbs into your dish. Thyme adds an earthy flavor. Parsley gives freshness. Add them at the same time as the basil. This will give your dish a new twist. Ideas for side dishes Serve this dish with simple sides. Garlic bread is a classic choice. A light salad can balance the meal too. Steamed vegetables add nice color and nutrients. Serving over different pasta types You can serve this chicken dish over many pasta types. Fettuccine is great, but penne works well too. Even spaghetti can be a fun option. Pick your favorite pasta to match your taste. To store leftover chicken, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use the stove or microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Heat until hot, but don’t overcook it. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out as much air as you can. Label the bags with the date. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For the best taste, reheat gently on the stove. In the fridge, Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken lasts for about three days. If it has an off smell or odd color, it’s time to toss it. Always check for any mold or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy it fresh for the best flavor! It takes about 30 minutes to make this dish. - Prep time is 10 minutes. - Cook time is 20 minutes. This quick time makes it perfect for busy nights. You can easily whip it up after a long day. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They add a richer flavor. Thighs also stay moist during cooking. If you prefer dark meat, thighs are a great choice. Just follow the same cooking steps. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Pasta: Serve over fettuccine or penne. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch. - Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty loaf is great for scooping up sauce. Each option complements the creamy flavors. Enjoy mixing and matching! In this article, we covered how to make Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking the chicken and sauce. Plus, we discussed tips for a creamy finish and various serving ideas. Final thoughts: This dish is versatile and simple, perfect for any meal. You can easily adapt it to fit your taste. Enjoy experimenting and make it your own!

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for pasta.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 2 red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • as needed Cooked pasta (e.g., fettuccine or penne) for serving

Instructions
 

  • Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), oregano, and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook for about 5 minutes, letting it simmer.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well. Allow it to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, then mix in the chopped basil and Parmesan cheese until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
  • Plate the cooked pasta, then place the creamy tomato basil chicken on top, generously pouring the sauce over the chicken.

Notes

Garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
Keyword basil, chicken, creamy, pasta, tomato