Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breast fillets; 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Food Collection

I love making Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken because it's a comforting dish that's simple enough for weeknights but delicious enough to impress guests. The creamy tomato sauce, infused with fresh basil, really brings the chicken to life. I find that using quality canned tomatoes and a touch of cream elevates the flavor, making every bite unforgettable. Paired with a side of pasta or crusty bread, it’s the perfect dinner option any night of the week!

Created by

Matilda Rowe

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:44:37.135Z

When I first tried making Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, I was surprised by how simple it was to achieve such a rich flavor. The method I use involves sautéing garlic and onions before adding the tomatoes, which really deepens the taste. It took me a couple of tries to get the creaminess just right, but now I feel like a pro every time I serve it!

I learned that fresh basil right at the end adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich sauce beautifully. Don't skip this step—your taste buds will thank you! Each bite will bring you back to that perfect summer day when the basil was at its peak.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that wraps around tender chicken
Fresh basil elevates the flavor to something truly special
Perfectly complements pasta or crusty bread

Mastering the Chicken

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken that remains juicy inside, use a meat thermometer. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Browning the chicken on medium heat for about 5–7 minutes per side not only enhances flavor but also helps form a delicious crust. If the chicken starts to stick or doesn't release easily, allow a bit more time before flipping to ensure optimal browning.

For a quicker prep time, consider flattening the chicken breasts before cooking. This can help reduce cooking time and ensure even doneness. Simply place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness, ideally around 1 inch.

The Sauce That Stands Out

The key to a deeply flavorful sauce lies in the quality of your canned tomatoes. Look for San Marzano tomatoes if possible; their natural sweetness and low acidity balance beautifully with the cream. When combined with sautéed onions and garlic, the sauce transforms into a rich, velvety delight. Don't skip the simmering step either; letting it cook for 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more complex taste profile.

Using heavy cream is crucial in this recipe as it contributes to the sauce's creamy texture without curdling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be substituted, but the sauce won’t be as rich. If you prefer a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream, which adds a unique flavor and maintains the creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of pasta types, such as fettuccine or penne. Cooking the pasta in salted water until al dente—usually about 8–10 minutes—will ensure it holds up well when mixed with the sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to the sauce before combining; the starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even heating.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

4 chicken breast fillets
2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Make sure to have everything ready for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they are softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5–7 minutes per side.

Add Tomatoes and Cream

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, then let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Finish with Basil

Stir in the fresh basil, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve

Serve hot over your choice of pasta or with crusty bread. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Enjoy your Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken with a side of your favorite carbs!

Pro Tips

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat. Fresh ingredients always lead to the best flavor!

Ingredient Insights

The fresh basil in this recipe isn't just a garnish; it plays a significant role in enhancing the overall flavor profile. Add the basil towards the end of cooking to retain its vibrant color and aromatic properties. If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, substituting with a teaspoon of dried basil can work, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more potent.

Onions and garlic aren’t merely aromatics; they provide a foundational flavor. Sautéing them until soft and translucent releases their natural sweetness and deepens the sauce’s complexity. If you're sensitive to onions or garlic, you can replace them with shallots for a milder flavor.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find that your sauce is too thick, which can happen depending on the brand of tomatoes used, simply add a bit of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce seems too watery, let it simmer for a few additional minutes uncovered, allowing some of the excess liquid to evaporate.

Sometimes, sauces might separate or become grainy, especially if they boil too vigorously after adding cream. To prevent this, always keep the heat on low once the cream has been added, allowing it to gently heat through without reaching a simmer. If mishaps occur, blending the sauce briefly with an immersion blender can help restore a smooth texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to peel and chop them, and you may need to adjust the cooking time.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just prepare it up to the point of serving and reheat on low flame. Add a splash of cream during reheating for extra richness.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter option, though the texture will differ slightly.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.