Go Back
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Rachel Kim

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and cream become a smooth rust-colored sauce around chicken cutlets. Dried basil cooks in the sauce, while pesto added off heat brings back fresh basil flavor. The chicken waits on a plate during reduction and returns only when the sauce is ready.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 1/2 pounds, sliced into 4 cutlets
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto

Method
 

  1. Season cutlets with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken 3 to 4 minutes per side until 165°F; transfer to a plate.
  2. Add garlic and tomato paste for 1 minute, then crushed tomatoes and dried basil and simmer 4 minutes.
  3. Stir in cream and simmer 2 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in pesto.
  4. Return chicken for 1 minute to coat and serve.