Print

Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet with Fresh Parmesan

Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet with Fresh Parmesan
Print Recipe

Comforting and simple to prepare, Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet with Fresh Parmesan is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a balance of freshness and indulgence, making dinner easy, delicious, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or fresh equivalent
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides—about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well, scraping up any leftover bits from the chicken for extra flavor. Let the tomato base simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  3. Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream or half and half, blending it thoroughly with the tomatoes until a smooth, pinkish sauce forms. Then, sprinkle in fresh grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until melted and incorporated, creating a rich, creamy texture.
  4. Finish Cooking Chicken in the Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. Serve straight from the skillet with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure the chicken sears properly and develops a golden crust.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior flavor and better melting consistency compared to pre-shredded.
  • Adjust the amount of cream to achieve your preferred sauce consistency—more cream for thinner sauce, less for thicker.
  • Simmer tomatoes before adding cream to intensify flavor and avoid a watery sauce.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright, aromatic flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy tomato chicken, Parmesan chicken skillet, one-pan chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/creamy-tomato-chicken-skillet-with-fresh-parmesan/