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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Rich Tomato Basil Sauce

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Tender chicken breasts coated in a velvety, creamy tomato basil sauce that balances richness and brightness for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, medium-thick
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup crushed canned tomatoes (or fresh diced tomatoes when in season)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: extra basil leaves or more Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and unsalted butter. Wait until butter foams and oil shimmers.
  3. Add chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir in chopped fresh basil. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Return chicken breasts to skillet, spoon sauce over each piece. Warm together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Garnish with extra basil leaves and Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen. If too thin, simmer uncovered longer. Avoid moving chicken too much while searing for a good crust. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, tomato basil sauce, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, comfort food, creamy marry me chicken

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-recipe-easy-rich-tomato-basil-sauce/