Chicken In Tomato Basil Cream
Creamy chicken in a rich tomato basil sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner with bold flavors and fresh herbs, suited for quick weeknight meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Saute chopped onion in butter in a medium skillet for 5 minutes.
- Turn heat to high.
- Add canned plum tomatoes and juice to the skillet.
- Cook until the mixture is reduced, about 4 minutes.
- Add whipping cream to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in julienned basil leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts into a shallow baking pan.
- Pour the cream sauce over the chicken.
- Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the onions. If fresh basil isn't available, dried basil can be used, but reduce the amount to 1-2 teaspoons. To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken and simply combine it with the sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken In Tomato Basil Cream over a bed of pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad complements the dish nicely. For a heartier meal, pair it with garlic bread or even consider serving it alongside Italian White Bean Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Tomato Basil Cream contains roughly 94 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Bone-in or skin-on chicken can also be used, but ensure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten the recipe, you can substitute the whipping cream with half-and-half or a low-fat cream alternative. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or skip it altogether. Increasing the amount of vegetables in the sauce, like adding spinach or zucchini, can also boost the nutritional value.
What can I serve with Chicken In Tomato Basil Cream?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, or over rice for a comforting meal. A light arugula salad or roasted vegetables can also enhance the meal, providing a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).