Savor tender chicken in tomato basil cream sauce, a rich, flavorful dinner thatโs simple to prepare and sure to impress. This Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce combines the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and luscious cream to create an unforgettable meal that melts your taste buds with every bite. Whether youโre cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish elevates everyday ingredients into a comforting culinary delight.
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Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Effortless elegance: Simple steps and easily accessible ingredients make this dish achievable for any home cook.
- Luxuriously creamy: The smooth cream base blends beautifully with fresh tomatoes and basil for a decadent texture.
- Versatile and adaptable: Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions with room for customization.
- Rich in flavor: Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes give a vibrant, mouthwatering taste thatโs both comforting and fresh.
- Protein-packed satisfaction: Tender chicken breasts provide a hearty and nutritious component everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients Youโll Need
The magic of this Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients, each bringing unique flavor and texture to the dish. Together, they create that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous taste youโll fall in love with.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly and stay tender in the sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich base for sautรฉing and marries all the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic brings that irresistible aroma and depth.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: Use good-quality tomatoes for a natural tang and vibrant red color.
- Heavy cream: The cornerstone of the sauceโs creamy richness that coats every bite.
- Fresh basil: Adds bright, herbal notes that lift the whole dish from good to spectacular.
- Parmesan cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for a subtle salty kick and creaminess.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every other flavor without overpowering.
Variations for Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
Feel free to customize this recipe to fit your taste, dietary needs, or whatโs in your pantry. Itโs delightfully flexible and easy to tweak without losing its signature creamy tomato basil charm.
- Swap chicken for shrimp: A quick-cooking alternative that pairs wonderfully with the sauce.
- Use coconut cream: Make it dairy-free with coconut cream for a tropical twist and allergy-friendly version.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes: For a little heat that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Incorporate spinach or kale: Toss in some greens for added nutrition and color vibrancy.
- Try different herbs: Fresh oregano or thyme can replace basil for unique flavor profiles.
How to Make Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Sautรฉ the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in minced garlic. Sautรฉ for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it as this will impart a bitter flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Basil
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Add fresh basil leaves towards the end of simmering for maximum aroma.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing thoroughly until the sauce becomes velvety and light pink in color. Let it heat through but avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken breasts into the skillet, spooning the tomato basil cream sauce over them. Let everything warm together for a couple of minutes so the chicken absorbs some of the luscious flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Optionally, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top and a few extra basil leaves for color. Serve hot and enjoy this dish that melts your taste buds with every creamy, tomato-packed bite.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
- Always use fresh basil: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Donโt overcook the chicken: Cooking just until golden ensures juicy, tender meat.
- Simmer sauce gently: Keeping the sauce on low heat preserves the creamโs silky texture.
- Use quality canned tomatoes: They provide better depth and a fresher taste.
- Rest chicken before slicing: This locks in juices and keeps the meat moist.
How to Serve Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add vibrant color and enhance the creamy tomato flavor, making each plate visually stunning and delicious.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs beautifully with light sides like garlic butter pasta, fluffy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, all of which soak up the sauce spectacularly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce over creamy polenta or crusty bread to sop up every drop, or nestle pieces atop fresh greens for a lighter presentation thatโs equally satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and freshness.
Freezing
This dish freezes wellโstore portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy sauce smooth and prevent separation.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add a deeper flavor, but cook them slightly longer to ensure theyโre done.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check canned products to avoid cross-contamination.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms, use coconut cream instead of dairy, and ensure your Parmesan substitute is plant-based for a vegan-friendly version.
Whatโs the best way to keep the sauce creamy and from separating?
Stir cream in at low heat and avoid boiling the sauce. Slow and gentle simmering helps maintain that perfect smoothness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken separately, refrigerate, then combine and reheat gently just before serving to impress your guests effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce is one of those timeless recipes that delivers warmth, comfort, and incredible flavor with every bite. Easy to make yet elegant enough for special occasions, itโs sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Give this recipe a tryโyouโll be amazed at how this creamy tomato basil comfort food melts your taste buds and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
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Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautรฉing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Can be Dairy-Free
Description
Savor tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy tomato basil sauce that blends tangy crushed tomatoes, fresh fragrant basil, and luscious heavy cream. This easy-to-make and elegant dish offers comforting flavors perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want a flavorful protein-packed meal. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, it pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- Spinach or kale, 1 cup (optional)
- Fresh oregano or thyme, as substitute for basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
- Sautรฉ the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then add minced garlic. Sautรฉ for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Add Tomatoes and Basil: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly. Add the fresh basil leaves toward the end of simmering to preserve aroma.
- Stir in the Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly mix in the heavy cream, stirring thoroughly until the sauce is velvety and light pink in color. Heat through gently without boiling to keep the sauce smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the tomato basil cream sauce over them. Warm together for a couple of minutes to let the chicken absorb the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add a few basil leaves for color. Serve hot alongside your preferred sides and enjoy.
Notes
- Always use fresh basil for the most vibrant flavor.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat to maintain its creamy texture and avoid curdling.
- Use good-quality canned crushed tomatoes for better depth and freshness.
- Allow chicken to rest before slicing to keep it moist.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for variety or dietary preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (about 1/2 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg