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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start. Using fresh ingredients makes your dish taste better. For chicken, I prefer thighs. They stay juicy and tender. You’ll need olive oil to cook the chicken. Salt and pepper add flavor. Garlic gives the dish a nice aroma. Canned diced tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. Cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Italian seasoning brings in classic flavors. Fresh basil adds brightness. Lastly, Parmesan cheese gives a savory touch. Make sure to check your pantry for these items. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use them. They can add even more flavor. This recipe is simple and uses common ingredients. You can find them at any grocery store. Having everything ready will make your cooking easy and fun. - Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Use just enough to enhance flavor. - Sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color. Remove the chicken and set it aside. - Sauté garlic and add tomatoes and cream. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. - Pour in one can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Then, add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to blend everything nicely. - Stir in Italian seasoning and thicken. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes. It should get a bit thicker and more flavorful. - Incorporate basil and Parmesan. Add ½ cup of chopped fresh basil and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Mix well until everything is combined. - Return chicken to skillet and simmer. Place the seared chicken back in the skillet. Spoon some sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together. To enhance the taste of your One-Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, you can adjust the seasoning. Start with the basics: salt and pepper. After cooking, taste the sauce. If it feels flat, add more salt or a dash of pepper. You can also sprinkle in some extra Italian seasoning for a flavor boost. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. This helps the liquid reduce. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Another method is to mix in a bit of cornstarch. Just blend a tablespoon with water and add it to the sauce. It will thicken nicely without changing the flavor. Choosing the right skillet is key for even cooking. A large, heavy-bottomed pan works well. It holds heat and cooks the chicken evenly. Non-stick cookware is great for this recipe. It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. You won't lose any of that tasty sauce. If you want to make your dish even creamier, add more heavy cream. Just pour in an extra half cup as it simmers. You can also add more cheese. Grated Parmesan gives a rich taste. If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Both can add creaminess without the dairy. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken thighs for other cuts. Chicken breasts work well, too. Drumsticks add a fun twist. Each cut brings a unique flavor and texture. If you prefer dairy-free options, use coconut milk instead of cream. Cashew cream is another tasty choice. Both keep the dish rich without dairy. You can also try low-fat yogurt for a lighter sauce. Want to make this dish even better? Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Spinach wilts nicely and adds color. Mushrooms give a hearty texture and flavor. Feeling adventurous? Spice it up! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Adjust the amount to your taste. More flakes mean more spice. This dish pairs perfectly with pasta or rice. Serve it over cooked noodles or fluffy rice. Both soak up the creamy sauce well. Crusty bread is great for dipping, too. For balance, add a salad or vegetable side. A light green salad adds freshness. Roasted vegetables bring great flavor and color. Try to mix and match for a full meal. To store your creamy tomato basil chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Always check for any off smells before eating. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. This keeps the chicken juicy. Stir the sauce gently to avoid burning. You can add a splash of cream or water if it thickens too much. This helps maintain that creamy texture you love. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in a skillet for the best results. To make the sauce lighter, you can reduce the heavy cream. Try using half a cup instead of a full cup. You could also replace some cream with chicken broth. This will keep the flavor but cut down on richness. Add more diced tomatoes for balance. This change helps the dish stay tasty while being less creamy. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! If you choose fresh, use about 4 medium-sized tomatoes. Make sure to peel them first for a smooth sauce. Cut them into small pieces and cook them longer to break down. This will add a bright taste to your dish. Just keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may need extra seasoning. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Cooked pasta, like spaghetti or penne - Steamed rice for a hearty base - Crusty bread to soak up the sauce - A fresh salad for a light touch These sides will make your meal more filling and enjoyable. This blog post guides you through making One-Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken. We discussed the key ingredients for flavor, like chicken, garlic, and fresh basil. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips to enhance the dish. Variations and storage tips help you adapt the recipe. In summary, this dish is simple and versatile. With a few tweaks, you can make it fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor each bite of this creamy delight.

One-Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Indulge in the flavorful world of One-Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken with this quick and delicious recipe! Perfectly seared chicken thighs are bathed in a creamy tomato sauce enriched with garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is not only easy to make but also perfect for a weeknight dinner. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

    Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

        Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the heavy cream. Stir to combine.

          Add the Italian seasoning and let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

            Stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese until well mixed.

              Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

                Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

                  Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over a bed of cooked pasta or rice, and drizzle some extra sauce over the top. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves can elevate the aesthetic further.