Creamy Tomato Chicken

Do You Think Tomato Recipes Can’t Be Creamy and Comforting?

When most people think of tomato recipes, they imagine pasta sauces or ketchup. But here’s something surprising: tomatoes can be the star of a warm, creamy, and satisfying dinner dish. What if we told you there’s a way to make chicken taste like it came from a fancy restaurant, using ingredients you already have at home?

If you’re ready to try something new and delicious, this creamy tomato chicken recipe is exactly what you need. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and comes together in less than an hour. Let’s dive into this comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

What Makes This Recipe So Special?

Creamy Tomato Chicken

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• Author: nakisha
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Tomato Chicken is one of those tomato recipes that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce—flavored with garlic, herbs, and love—make this a comforting dinner that’s ready in under 40 minutes. It’s beginner-friendly, family-approved, and oh-so-satisfying.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Trim and season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté onion for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
4. Make It Creamy: Add the cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and pinkish. Season with more salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs. Stir in Parmesan if using.
5. Combine: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes so flavors meld together.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve over pasta, rice, or with mashed potatoes.

Notes

This recipe works great with chicken thighs, tofu, or shrimp. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk. To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes. Perfect for meal prep—just store sauce and chicken separately and reheat gently.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Creamy Tomato Chicken is a perfect mix of juicy chicken breasts and a velvety tomato-based sauce that’s rich but not heavy. It’s cozy, comforting, and quick — just what you want after a long day. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Time: Ready in under 40 minutes
• Skill Level: Easy — beginner-friendly
• Flavor: A creamy tomato sauce with hints of garlic, herbs, and tender chicken
• Usefulness: Great for weeknights, leftovers, or meal prep

Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again.

Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter

Here are the stars of the show, and why they’re important:

Main Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Substitute: Chicken thighs or tofu for a twist.
• Canned crushed tomatoes – These form the base of the sauce.
  • Substitute: Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes (blend if needed).
• Heavy cream – Adds that creamy, rich texture.
  • Substitute: Half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Garlic and onion – Adds flavor depth. These are must-haves in most tomato recipes.
• Olive oil or butter – Used to sauté the chicken and aromatics.
• Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning – Simple spices to elevate the flavor.
• Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds richness and a slightly nutty taste to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make creamy tomato chicken. You’ll see it’s easier than you think.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Trim and season: Trim any fat from the chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Tip: Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. It helps it cook more evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

• In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 3–4 minutes).
• Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Pour in 1 can (about 15 oz) of crushed tomatoes. Stir well.
• Add ½ cup of heavy cream. Stir until combined and the sauce turns a lovely pink-orange color.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch more Italian seasoning.
• Optional: Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 4: Add Chicken Back to the Pan

• Nestle the cooked chicken into the sauce.
• Spoon some sauce over the top of each piece.
• Cover and let it simmer on low for another 5–7 minutes so the chicken absorbs all that tomato goodness.

How to Assemble and Serve

Now that your creamy tomato chicken is ready, here’s how to put it all together for the best experience:

• On pasta: Serve over spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you love.
• With rice or mashed potatoes: These soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
• On its own: Pair with a green salad or roasted veggies.

Presentation Tips:

• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for color.
• Add a bit of extra Parmesan just before serving.
• Use a wide bowl or rimmed plate to hold the sauce.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

To Store:

• Let the chicken cool completely.
• Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

• Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
• Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce is too thick.

Make-Ahead Tip:

• Cook the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the chicken.
• Combine and heat when ready to serve for the best texture.

Recipe Variations

Want to change things up? Here are a few fun twists:

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
• Cheesy Baked Version: After assembling, top with mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
• Add Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the sauce.
• Protein Swap: Use shrimp, turkey cutlets, or tofu for variety.

Health Benefits and Nutrition

Even though this dish is creamy, it can be quite balanced:

• Tomatoes: Full of vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene.
• Chicken: A lean protein that supports muscles and energy.
• Garlic and Onion: May help fight inflammation and support your immune system.

For a lighter version, use less cream or swap in Greek yogurt.

Conclusion: Try It and Make It Your Own

Creamy tomato chicken is more than just a quick meal — it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. The creamy tomato sauce makes it rich and cozy, and the tender chicken keeps it satisfying.

Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s one of the best tomato recipes around. Don’t be afraid to make it your own. Try different proteins, add your favorite herbs, or toss in veggies.

The best part? It only takes one skillet and under an hour. So next time you’re looking for an easy dinner, give creamy tomato chicken a try!

FAQs About Creamy Tomato Chicken