This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is one of those dinners that feels fancy enough for a restaurant but comes together in just one pan. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce with fresh basil, sundried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese for the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors.

Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this easy chicken dinner is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

✨ Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients and instructions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy one-pan dinner
Ready in about 30 minutes
Rich and creamy tomato basil sauce
High-protein meal
Perfect for busy weeknights
Pairs well with pasta, rice, or vegetables

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breast
Olive oil
Garlic
Shallot
Cherry tomatoes
Sundried tomatoes
Fresh basil
Tomato paste
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Paprika
Oregano
Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes

How To Make Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

1. Season the chicken

Season the chicken breast with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the chicken

Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Build the sauce

In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and shallot until softened. Add the cherry tomatoes, basil, and sundried tomatoes.

4. Add the creamy ingredients

Stir in the tomato paste and heavy cream. Season with oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

5. Finish the dish

Add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce.

6. Serve

Serve warm over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Tips For The Best Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Fresh basil provides the best flavor.
Add extra heavy cream if you prefer a thinner sauce.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.

Variations

Want to switch it up? Try adding:

Spinach
Mushrooms
Roasted red peppers
Italian sausage
Shrimp
Mozzarella cheese
Sun-dried tomato pesto

What To Serve With Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

This dish pairs perfectly with:

Angel hair pasta
Fettuccine
Garlic mashed potatoes
White rice
Roasted broccoli
Caesar salad
Homemade focaccia bread

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is an easy skillet dinner made with seasoned chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, garlic, shallot, sundried tomatoes, basil, tomato paste, heavy cream, and parmesan. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick high-protein dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 2 people

Course: dinner

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast
Paprika to taste
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Garlic powder to taste
Oregano to taste
Olive oil for cooking
2 garlic cloves chopped
1/2 small shallot chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes diced
2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
2 tablespoons sundried tomatoes
Red pepper flakes to taste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup heavy cream
Parmesan cheese to taste

Method

Season the chicken breast with paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté the chopped garlic and shallot until fragrant and translucent.
Stir in the diced cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and sundried tomatoes.
Season with oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Stir in the tomato paste and heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and combined.
Add parmesan cheese and additional red pepper flakes if desired.
Add the chicken back into the pan and coat it with the tomato basil sauce.
Serve warm.

Notes

Slice the chicken thinner if you want it to cook faster.
Add extra heavy cream if you want more sauce.
Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and stay incredibly juicy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making leftovers even better.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not very. The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can increase or decrease them to taste.

Can I add more sauce?

Yes. Add an extra splash of heavy cream or chicken broth if you’d like a saucier dish.

How To Store & Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can You Freeze Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?

Yes, but cream-based sauces can separate slightly after thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently while stirring.