Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet for Busy Nights

Ever have one of those nights where you need a dinner that feels like a hug from the inside out but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? You know the ones—soccer practice ran late, the homework’s piling up, and everyone’s starting to get that hanger glint in their eyes. That’s exactly why this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is my family’s go-to. It’s hearty, comforting, and comes together in one pan with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of meal that proves you don’t need complicated techniques to put something truly delicious and soul-satisfying on the table.

Top Reasons To Make It

You’ll love this skillet for so many reasons. First, it’s a true one-pan wonder, meaning your cleanup is practically nonexistent. Second, it’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it over pasta, rice, or with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that amazing sauce. And third, it’s packed with fresh flavor from the basil and garlic, but the creamy tomato base makes it a total kid-pleaser. It’s a healthy dinner idea that feels indulgent and checks all the boxes for quick dinner ideas and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: for tender, quick-cooking protein.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: to sear the chicken to golden perfection.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: forms the savory base of our sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: for that essential, fragrant punch.
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes: gives the sauce its rich, tomatoey body.
• 1 cup chicken broth: thins the sauce perfectly and adds depth.
• ½ cup heavy cream: creates that luscious, creamy texture we all crave.
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: adds a salty, savory umami kick.
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish: brings that bright, classic fresh herb flavor.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: a hint of earthy, Mediterranean aroma.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: for seasoning all the way through.

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps them get a beautiful sear.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. You don’t want it to burn.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with your spoon to release all those tasty browned bits. Stir in the dried oregano.
6. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce and warm it through, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
10. Serve immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread. So good.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a nutritional yeast sprinkle instead of parmesan. If you’d like to stretch it further for cheap dinners for a family, stir in a can of drained white beans or some sliced mushrooms with the onions. Feeling a different pasta dinner recipe vibe? Swap the chicken for meatless plant-based chick’n strips. And honestly, if you’ve got a bag of spinach wilting in the fridge, stir in a couple of handfuls right at the end—it wilts down perfectly and sneaks in some extra greens.

Cooking Tips For Success

Don’t skip patting the chicken dry—it’s the secret to getting a good sear instead of steaming. Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the chicken. You should hear a sizzle! When you add the cream and cheese, keep the heat on low to prevent the sauce from curdling or breaking. Fresh basil is key here; its flavor is just so, so much brighter than dried. And the best tip? Let the sauce simmer for those few minutes. It really allows the flavors to come together and deepen.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This creamy dish is a dream served over a bed of angel hair pasta or fettuccine to catch every drop of sauce. But it’s also fantastic with steamed rice, creamy polenta, or even mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option. A simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. And you can’t go wrong with a thick slice of garlic bread for dipping. It’s a complete dinner dish all on its own.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits; just stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and will be even more tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
• What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream? Half-and-half will work in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be quite as luxuriously thick. For a lighter healthy dinner recipe, you could try full-fat plain Greek yogurt, but make sure to temper it by stirring in a little warm sauce first before adding it to the skillet to prevent curdling.
• Is this dish gluten-free? It sure is, as long as you serve it with a gluten-free side like rice or quinoa. Just double-check that your chicken broth doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.
• How can I make this a quick dinner idea with even less prep? Grab a pre-diced onion from the produce section and use jarred minced garlic. It’ll save you a few minutes of chopping without sacrificing much flavor.