Description

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil and melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). This comforting yet elegant dish features a perfect balance of bold flavors and smooth textures, making it an ideal choice for an easy weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and toss in minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Creaminess and Basil: Lower the heat and stir in shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) gradually, mixing until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Tear fresh basil leaves and fold them into the sauce, infusing it with a fragrant herbal note.
Return Chicken to the Sauce: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the pan, nestling them into the creamy tomato basil sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let everything warm together for 2 to 3 minutes, so the chicken absorbs a little more flavor.
Final Touch and Serve: Give the dish one last stir to ensure even coating, then remove from heat. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Use fresh basil instead of dried for authentic, bright flavor.
Remove chicken as soon as it is cooked through to keep it juicy and tender.
Add shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) gradually over low heat to avoid clumping.
Adjust red pepper flakes to customize heat level or omit for no spice.
If using fresh tomatoes instead of canned, ensure they are ripe for full flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 42 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: tomato basil chicken, creamy tomato chicken, chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, mozzarella cheese vegetal