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Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet with Fresh Parmesan

Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet with Fresh Parmesan
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This Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet with Fresh Parmesan is a quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs sautéed to golden perfection, simmered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce enhanced with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines fresh flavors with a luscious sauce that brings warmth and satisfying comfort to your table with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred for best flavor)

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes & Variations

  • Fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers (for veggie boost)
  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
  • Substitutes: chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, firm tofu (protein); half-and-half or coconut cream (dairy alternative); fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley (herb variations)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season generously all over with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook untouched for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and brown the other side for 4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium. Add more olive oil if skillet is dry, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned. Pour in the canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushing them gently with a spoon. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to deepen flavors and thicken slightly.
  4. Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Remove skillet briefly from heat and add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully incorporated for a luxurious texture.
  5. Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken back into the creamy tomato sauce, spooning sauce over each piece. Cover skillet and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the sauce while it thickens further.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, finish with torn fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to elevate flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Patting chicken dry ensures a crispy, golden sear.
  • Use quality San Marzano or plum canned tomatoes for best sauce flavor.
  • Always grate fresh Parmesan; it melts better and avoids bitterness compared to pre-grated.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to avoid cream separation and to thicken naturally.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as cream and cheese can mellow flavors.
  • Optional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can be added when simmering the sauce for extra nutrition and texture.
  • For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato chicken, chicken skillet, Parmesan chicken, quick dinner, one-pan meal, Italian chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, gluten free chicken

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