Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving; Cooked pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine), for serving; Fresh mozzarella balls, for topping; Spinach, added to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)

1 tablespoon olive oil (plus 1 additional tablespoon)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup chopped yellow onion

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to balance the acidity)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Cooked pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine), for serving

Fresh mozzarella balls, for topping (optional)

Spinach (optional, added to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking)

Instructions

Step 1: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture generously over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts carefully, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 5: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. Avoid burning the garlic to prevent bitterness.

Step 6: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in granulated sugar, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 7: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Do not boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.

Step 9: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce.

Step 10: Spoon sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated.

Step 11: Let chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.

Step 12: Serve over cooked pasta, topped with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh mozzarella balls if desired. A side salad or crusty bread pairs well with this dish.

Tips & Variations

For extra greens, stir fresh spinach into the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering until wilted.

Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.

Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for additional depth of flavor.

Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in the seasoning mixture if preferred.

If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

You can use bone-in chicken breasts, but cooking times will be longer. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Pounding to even thickness will be more challenging, so adjust as needed.

What pasta pairs best with creamy tomato basil chicken?

This dish works well with various pasta shapes like spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand. The creamy sauce clings nicely to all these options for a satisfying meal.