Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup fresh basil, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Table

I absolutely love how Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken brings together the richness of cream and the freshness of basil in a single dish. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet takes only minutes to prepare. Whenever I serve this dish, I'm greeted with delighted smiles and requests for the recipe. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and a luscious sauce makes it a go-to favorite for both family dinners and entertaining guests.

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:37:35.571Z

When I first tried making Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could create such an impressive meal. I like to use ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, as their flavors shine through and truly elevate the dish. Cooking the chicken in a garlicky, creamy sauce infuses it with an incredible depth of flavor that makes every bite a pleasure.

What’s worked well for me is to keep the heat moderate when simmering the sauce to avoid separating the cream. This ensures a silky texture, complementing the tender chicken perfectly. Trust me, serving this dish with some crusty bread for dipping is a game-changer!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy flavor with a hint of freshness from basil
Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights
A satisfying meal that’s sure to impress friends and family

Balancing Cream and Freshness

The use of heavy cream in this recipe is essential for achieving that luxurious, velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully. As it simmers with the cherry tomatoes, it absorbs their natural sweetness, which balances the richness of the cream. Make sure to simmer gently after adding the cream; boiling can cause the cream to separate, resulting in a less desirable texture. Stirring regularly will also help create a cohesive sauce.

Fresh basil is not only a finishing touch but plays a critical role in brightening the dish. Its aromatic profile adds depth, complementing both the creamy sauce and the sweetness of the tomatoes. If you're in a pinch, you can use dried basil; however, fresh basil truly elevates this recipe. Adding the basil at the end of cooking ensures its flavor remains vibrant and doesn’t lose potency during the cooking process.

Prep and Cooking Tips

When cooking the chicken breasts, ensure they are of uniform thickness for even cooking. If they are particularly thick on one side, consider butterflying or pounding them slightly to ensure they cook through evenly, ideally reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This prevents the chicken from becoming dry, allowing it to soak up the creamy sauce effectively. Also, let your chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the skillet to preserve its juiciness.

If you want to add a little kick to your dish, consider introducing crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing. This additional layer of flavor pairs well with the creamy sauce. Furthermore, if you're cooking for a large group, this recipe is easily scalable—just adjust the quantities and use a larger skillet or divide the chicken into batches to ensure even cooking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dish!

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh basil, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

With these ingredients, you’ll be ready to bring this lovely dish to life!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the cherry tomatoes and stir occasionally for about 3 minutes until they soften. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with chopped basil. Allow to simmer for another 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs before cooking. This will enhance the overall taste and create a more delightful experience.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a healthy balance, serve it over a bed of wilted spinach or alongside grilled asparagus. If you prefer something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles can accentuate the richness of the dish perfectly. Don't forget to drizzle the sauce generously over your chosen sides; they deserve to be covered in that delicious sauce!

For a complete meal, consider adding a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette on the side. The peppery arugula complements the creamy sauce beautifully while providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. Garnishing the dish with more fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan will also make it eye-catching and enhance the overall flavor.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as enjoyable as the fresh dish. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or a bit of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can lead to uneven warming and a change in the sauce's texture.

Freezing is another option, though I recommend freezing the chicken separately from the sauce to maintain quality. Freeze the chicken in portions and the sauce in a separate container for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above. This makes for a quick and easy dinner even on the busiest days.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use non-dairy alternatives for the cream?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative, but the flavor will differ slightly.

→ What can I serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?

This dish goes wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta. A fresh side salad pairs nicely as well!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Simply combine and heat when you’re ready to serve.