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Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken: Quick, Cozy Dinner Delight

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a quick weeknight meal that combines tender chicken in a rich sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Try butter for a richer flavor.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Use fresh garlic for added punch.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onions work beautifully here.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Swap for fresh oregano using three times the amount.
  • ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder dish.
  • to taste Salt Use kosher salt for meat.
  • to taste Pepper
For the Sauce
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Opt for roasted garlic for sweetness.
  • 1 cup Chopped Yellow Onion Shallots are a great alternative.
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes Feel free to use fresh tomatoes or high-quality puree.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Deepens flavor and balances acidity.
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream Greek yogurt lightens the dish nicely.
  • ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Basil If unavailable, spinach or parsley can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar Substitute with honey for a natural option.
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can work for vegan variations.
For Serving
  • 3 cups Cooked Pasta Spaghetti, penne, or zucchini noodles can be used.
  • 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella Balls Skip for a lighter meal.
  • 2 cups Spinach Consider kale as an alternative green.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
  1. Begin by flattening the boneless, skinless chicken breasts using a meat mallet until they're about an inch thick.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the spice blend.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour in a drizzle of olive oil. Once shimmering, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
  4. Once seared, transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
  5. Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped yellow onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Incorporate crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet, stirring well to combine with the aromatics. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
  7. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add heavy cream and chopped fresh basil to the sauce, stirring gently. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  9. Return seared chicken to the skillet, allowing it to soak up the sauce. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
  10. Let flavors meld together over low heat for another 5-10 minutes.
  11. Serve over cooked pasta or alongside crusty bread, drizzling with extra sauce and sprinkling with additional basil and grated Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Reheat the chicken and sauce together for a quick meal.

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