Print

Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet with Fresh Parmesan

Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet with Fresh Parmesan
Print Recipe

Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet with Fresh Parmesan is a quick and comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken breasts with a luscious tomato and cream sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers rich, balanced flavors and minimal cleanup while remaining adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6–8 fresh basil leaves, torn

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat
  • Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added vegetables
  • Coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative
  • Pasta or spiralized zucchini for serving
  • Alternative herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary

Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This step ensures great flavor and helps achieve a tasty crust during cooking.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the browned chicken and set aside to lock in juices and build flavor for the sauce.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring to lift any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors.
  4. Create the Creamy Base: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing it into the tomato sauce until fully combined, creating a silky, balanced sauce.
  5. Return Chicken and Simmer: Place the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Cover and simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. Finish with Fresh Parmesan and Basil: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the chicken and sauce, allowing it to melt slightly. Add torn fresh basil leaves just before serving to brighten and freshen the dish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicier texture.
  • Allow chicken to brown undisturbed to develop a golden crust.
  • Add cream gradually to balance acidity and achieve desired sauce consistency.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
  • Cover the skillet while simmering to keep the chicken moist and tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato chicken skillet, creamy chicken skillet, Parmesan chicken, quick chicken dinner, one-pan chicken

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/creamy-tomato-chicken-skillet-with-fresh-parmesan/