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
Units
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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.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then add minced garlic. Sauté 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