Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious tomato sauce enriched with garlic, fresh herbs, and heavy cream. Easy to prepare in about 30 minutes using pantry staples, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals. Customizable, quick, and delicious, it appeals to the whole family and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese (optional), for garnish
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the tomato cream sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well and scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add cream and herbs: Slowly stir in the heavy cream to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Add fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the sauce bubble on low heat for a few more minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Warm through for another 2-3 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before searing to achieve a beautiful crust and prevent steaming.
- Simmer the tomato sauce gently to intensify flavor and thicken the sauce.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley added at the end for vibrant flavor and presentation.
- Adjust the amount of cream to your preference for either a richer or lighter sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture; reheating repeatedly can cause the sauce to separate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: chicken, creamy tomato sauce, easy dinner, comforting meal, weeknight recipe, gluten free, family favorite, creamy sauce, basil chicken