Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

There’s something magical about a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day — creamy tomato basil chicken does exactly that. It’s one of those easy weeknight dinners that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really comes together in under 30 minutes. The tender chicken breasts soak up a luscious tomato cream sauce bursting with fresh basil and just the right touch of garlic. Whether you’re looking for healthy comfort food that’s rich and satisfying or a budget-friendly recipe that still feels fancy, this is your new go-to.

Imagine juicy chicken coated in a velvety sauce, infused with the bright pop of cherry tomatoes and the unmistakable aroma of fresh basil. This dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy and fresh, comforting and light. Serve it over your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or even low-carb cauliflower rice to fit into your keto meal plan or protein eating plan. Trust me, it’s a winner for quick family meals or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love here? It’s packed with flavor, incredibly simple to whip up, and comes together in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup—always a win in my book.

The high protein meals nature of this dish makes it perfect if you’re on a protein meal plan or looking for best high protein ready meals that don’t taste like they came from a box.

Plus, you can easily customize it to fit your dietary needs—swap out heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, or go all in with extra Parmesan for a rich finish. This recipe is the kind of easy high protein high calorie meal that fuels your day while feeling indulgent.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

It’s the harmony of simple, fresh ingredients that makes this stand out. The tomatoes simmer down to a sweet, tangy base, while the cream softens the acidity and wraps everything in a silky embrace.

Fresh basil, added at the very end, brings a herbaceous brightness that makes the sauce sing.

And the chicken? Juicy, tender, and golden on the outside thanks to a quick sear in olive oil and butter—no drying out here!

It’s also versatile: swap chicken breasts for thighs to get a juicier bite or add some greens like spinach to sneak in extra nutrients.

Ingredients

Save

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or canned diced tomatoes)
• 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a gentle kick

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Season your chicken well with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy—this builds flavor from the start.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5–6 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden crust. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
4. In the same skillet, toss in the garlic and cherry tomatoes. Let them sauté for 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and garlic releases its heavenly aroma.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors get cozy.
6. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly add the heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy—this is where that velvety texture comes alive.
7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 5 minutes so everything melds together perfectly.
8. Stir in the fresh chopped basil right before serving to preserve its bright flavor.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.

Tips for Best Results

• For juicier chicken, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead—they stay moist even with longer cooking.
• Don’t rush the sear! Getting that golden crust locks in flavor and juices.
• Use fresh basil if possible—it adds a vibrant, fresh pop you just can’t get from dried.
• If your sauce feels too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.
• Feeling adventurous? Toss in some mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and depth.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream to make this recipe dairy-free and still creamy.
• Replace cherry tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes for a pantry-friendly version.
• Add leafy greens like spinach or kale at the end for an extra boost of nutrients—great for healthy meal plans for two.
• Skip the Parmesan for a lighter sauce, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• For a low-carb keto meal plan, serve this with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Save

Serve this creamy tomato basil chicken over:

• Al dente pasta for classic comfort
• Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice for soaking up every drop of sauce
• Creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy twist
• Cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for a low calorie chicken meal prep
• Crusty artisan bread to mop up the sauce—it’s a must!

Pair it with steamed or roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a balanced, healthy boxed meal feel.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.

If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a fresh basil lemonade to echo the herbal notes.

On the side, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

For a heartier meal, roasted garlic mashed potatoes or garlic bread will elevate this dish to dinner party status.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Microwaving works too—just stir halfway through to ensure even heating and keep the chicken moist.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

This recipe is perfect for meal prep microwave lunches or prepared meals for two.

Make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then cool and store in portioned containers.

Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

If you double the sauce, you’ll have plenty for multiple ready meals for 2 or family dinners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken—crowding causes steaming, not browning.
• Avoid adding cream to a boiling sauce—it can curdle. Lower the heat first.
• Don’t skip seasoning your chicken generously. It makes all the difference.
• Be careful not to overcook the chicken—remove it from the skillet once it’s nearly cooked through; it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
• Adding fresh basil too early can cause it to lose its vibrant color and flavor; always add it at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned diced tomatoes work wonderfully and save prep time without sacrificing flavor.

Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild by default, but you can add red pepper flakes to kick up the heat to your liking.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or your favorite dairy-free cream alternative and skip the Parmesan.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Definitely. Flavors actually deepen after resting, making this an ideal best meal prep plan recipe.

How do I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes or stir in a bit more grated Parmesan.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, especially if you serve it over low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Can I freeze this?
You can! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan (non-stick preferred)
• Tongs for flipping chicken
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring sauce

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!