This Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is a one-pan wonder! Juicy chicken is cooked in a smooth tomato sauce with fresh basil. It’s colorful and so tasty!
Believe me, this meal makes weeknight dinners simple and enjoyable. I love serving it over pasta or rice for that extra yum factor. Who wouldn’t want that creamy goodness? 🍅🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy flavor. However, chicken breasts work too but might need a little extra seasoning as they’re leaner.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a lovely flavor, but feel free to substitute any cooking oil you have on hand, like vegetable or canola oil. Just avoid oils with strong flavors.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes the sauce extra rich, you can swap it for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version. Just note that the flavor will shift a bit.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are convenient, but fresh tomatoes will work in a pinch. Just make sure to peel and crush them before using.
Parmesan Cheese: You can use grated Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just sprinkle it in to taste.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great, but you can use kale or Swiss chard as substitutes. Just chop them a little more if you go for kale!
How Do I Achieve the Creamiest Sauce?
The secret to a creamy sauce lies in the gradient of heat and when you add the ingredients. After sautéing garlic, reduce the heat before adding cream and cheese.
- After adding crushed tomatoes, let the sauce simmer before introducing heavy cream. This helps meld the flavors.
- Mix in the cheese slowly, stirring constantly so it blends smoothly without clumping.
- Don’t rush! Let the sauce cook a bit longer after adding the spinach for everything to marry nicely.
Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried basil
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take you about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Making the Sauce:
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning (or dried basil). Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
5. Adding Cream and Cheese:
Lower the heat again and slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until the sauce turns creamy and smooth. This is where the magic happens!
6. Adding Spinach and Basil:
Now, toss in the fresh spinach and chopped basil into the sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts down—this shouldn’t take long, just a minute or so.
7. Finishing Up with Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Spoon some of the lovely sauce over each piece of chicken and allow it to cook for another 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld together.
8. Optional Toppings:
If you like an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top. You can also add more grated Parmesan for good measure!
9. Serving:
Serve this creamy, delicious chicken warm with your choice of pasta, rice, or even some crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful sauce. Enjoy your meal and relish the deliciousness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the quick method by submerging in cold water in a sealed bag. Pat it dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or cashew cream for a similar creamy texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce thickens, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them along with the garlic for extra flavor!
