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Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet photo

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet

This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is a quick, comforting dish that combines tender chicken and a rich tomato sauce!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut or pounded to thin cutlets
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
  • 4 cloves garlic pressed
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (dried)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil chopped

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Cooking Instructions:
  1. Start by placing your chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness of about half an inch. This ensures they cook evenly. Once done, season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add the pressed garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Once combined, add the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy. This creates a rich sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
  5. Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the creamy tomato sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the sauce. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top for a burst of flavor and color.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use high-quality crushed tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce.
  • You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a simple side salad.