Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts The chicken is the star here. It needs to be fresh and tender. I like to buy high-quality chicken for the best flavor. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped These ingredients make the sauce rich and flavorful. Olive oil adds depth. Garlic brings a lovely aroma. The crushed tomatoes give a nice base. Heavy cream makes it creamy. Fresh basil adds a bright note. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish The Italian seasoning blends herbs well. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Parmesan cheese gives a nice finish. Fresh basil is a great touch for garnish too. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get your chicken breasts ready. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides. This step adds flavor to your chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. Now, let’s make the sauce. In the same skillet, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell great but not burn. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, stirring well. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it all together until smooth. Then, mix in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. It’s time to bring it all together. Carefully place the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken to coat it well. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes. This warms the chicken through and infuses it with flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Now, your creamy tomato basil chicken is ready to enjoy! Use a good skillet for even cooking. A non-stick or cast iron pan works great. Always preheat your skillet before adding oil. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Season your chicken well with salt and pepper; this enhances the flavor. Cook the chicken until golden brown. Check that it’s cooked through by cutting into it. It should not be pink inside. To get that rich, creamy sauce, use heavy cream. This gives a smooth texture. Stir the cream in slowly after the tomatoes. Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent boiling. Boiling can break the cream and make it grainy. For extra creaminess, you can add more cream if you like. The sauce should be thick yet pourable. Tasting your dish is key! After adding the cream and basil, taste the sauce. If it needs more flavor, add salt and pepper. You can also add more Italian seasoning for a stronger taste. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mix and taste again until it's just right. Adjustments make your dish unique to your taste! Pro Tips Chicken Brine: Brining the chicken breasts in a mixture of water and salt for 15-30 minutes before cooking can enhance moisture and flavor. Tomato Quality: Use high-quality canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes for the best flavor in your sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice. Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking for a vibrant flavor. Dried basil can be used during cooking, but fresh gives a brighter taste. Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a unique twist. Each cheese will add its own flavor profile to the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for other meats. Turkey is a great choice. Use turkey breasts for a lean option. Pork tenderloin adds a unique flavor. If you prefer seafood, try shrimp. Cook shrimp until pink and tender. Adjust cooking time since shrimp cooks faster. Each protein brings its own tasty twist. To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. Coconut milk gives a creamy texture and adds a subtle sweetness. You can also use cashew cream for a nutty flavor. Blend soaked cashews with water for a smooth cream. Don't forget to check for allergies. Add extra spices for more flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can boost taste. Try a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Mixing in sun-dried tomatoes adds a tangy twist. Experiment with these ideas to make it your own! To store your Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, let it cool down first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Place the chicken and sauce together or store them separately. It stays good in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. When you're ready to eat, take the chicken out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauce together, stirring gently. Cook until it's heated through, about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Put the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken lasts in the fridge for four days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Just remember to label it! For the best taste and texture, use it within these timeframes. You can serve this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Pasta: Cooked spaghetti or fettuccine pairs well. - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce nicely. - Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. - Vegetables: Steamed or roasted veggies add nutrition and flavor. These sides will balance the rich flavors of the chicken. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the chicken and sauce, then cool them. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. The flavors will meld nicely overnight, making it even better. To lighten up Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, consider these swaps: - Use chicken thighs: They can be more tender and flavorful. - Replace heavy cream: Use half-and-half or a plant-based cream. - Cut back on oil: Use less oil when cooking the chicken. - Add more veggies: Stir in spinach or zucchini for added volume without extra calories. These tips will keep the taste but reduce the richness. In this blog post, we covered how to make creamy tomato basil chicken. First, we explored the key ingredients like chicken, sauce components, and seasonings. Then, we went through step-by-step instructions and shared useful tips for cooking. We also discussed tasty variations and how to properly store your dish. Remember, cooking is fun and allows for creativity. Feel free to make this dish your own, and enjoy every bite!$

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with tomatoes and fresh basil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the tomato mixture.
Incorporate the chopped basil and Italian seasoning, stirring until evenly distributed. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Carefully place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes to warm the chicken through.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Serve with pasta or rice for a complete meal.

Keyword basil, chicken, creamy, tomato