Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet

Ingredients

• 12 oz chicken breast
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 tsp dried Italian seasoning(optional)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil(optional)
• 0.33 cup heavy cream (or plain yogurt)
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated(optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Slice chicken into cutlets (or thin cutlets) and pat dry. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Mince the garlic and chop the basil.

2. 2

   Cook (20 minutes): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until browned and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness). Transfer chicken to a plate.

3. 3

   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and tomato paste and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning (if using). Simmer 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

4. 4

   Finish: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in cream (or yogurt) and parmesan (if using) until smooth. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer 2–3 minutes to warm through. Turn off heat and stir in basil and lemon juice (if using). Serve immediately.