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Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet

Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet

Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet is a quick and comforting one-pan dinner combining tender chicken breasts with a rich and tangy creamy tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly meal is ready in under 30 minutes and offers a balance of hearty protein and luscious flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
  2. Create the Tomato Base: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and stir in Italian seasoning. Let the tomatoes simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a deep, rich flavor.
  3. Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns silky and smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed, ensuring the sauce is creamy and perfectly balanced.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato cream sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken, then cover the pan and let everything simmer for another 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped fresh basil on top before serving. This adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the creamy tomato richness.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking without drying out.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken; it adds deep flavor and appealing texture.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly to let it thicken and meld flavors better.
  • Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its vibrant color and aroma.
  • Adjust the amount of cream according to your preferred sauce richness; half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato chicken, one-pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, family-friendly dinner, quick weeknight meal, Italian chicken skillet