🍅 Creamy Tomato Basil Baked Chicken
🛒 Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes (for a little heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat oven
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Season & sear the chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden (not fully cooked).
Make the creamy tomato sauce
In the same pan, sauté garlic for about 30 seconds.
Add tomato sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Let it gently simmer until slightly thickened.
Assemble the dish
Place seared chicken in a baking dish.
Pour the creamy tomato sauce over the chicken.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Finish with basil
Sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
Or keep it lighter with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad
💡 Tips
Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor
Use chicken thighs if you want juicier meat
Let it rest 5 minutes before serving—it helps the sauce thicken
