I absolutely love this Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe because it’s the perfect blend of comfort and freshness. The roasted cherry tomatoes add a natural sweetness that balances beautifully with the rich mascarpone creaminess, making every bite feel indulgent but not heavy. Whenever I’m craving something cozy yet light, this dish always hits the spot.
You’ll find that it’s also super straightforward to pull together, which is a huge plus if you want a delicious meal without fussing too much. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this creamy tomato chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that feels special but comes together quickly enough to make you feel like a kitchen rockstar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Comforting Flavors: The creamy tomato sauce combined with tender chicken offers a delightful, cozy meal.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these already, making it easy to whip up on a whim.
- Versatile & Customizable: It pairs well with many sides—from rice to garlic bread—so you can make it your own.
- Perfect For Any Occasion: Whether it’s family dinners or entertaining friends, this dish is always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this creamy tomato chicken recipe is how well these ingredients work together—fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mascarpone make a sauce that clings to every bite of chicken. Pro tip: using room temperature chicken helps it cook evenly for tenderness you’ll love.
- Chicken Breasts: Bring to room temp first for even cooking and juicy results.
- Dried Oregano & Garlic Powder: These simple spices add depth without overpowering the dish.
- Olive Oil: Choose a good quality one—it really shines in the sauce and when browning the chicken.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Roasting these intensifies their sweetness; fresh and vibrant is the goal.
- Garlic Cloves: Finely diced to infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor.
- Fresh Basil: Adds brightness at the end—don’t skip it!
- Chicken Stock: Enhances the sauce’s depth and balances acidity.
- Tomato Puree (or Paste): Gives the sauce its rich, tomatoey body.
- Mascarpone: The secret to creamy, silky sauce with a lovely tang.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season perfectly at every stage.
Variations
Like with any great recipe, I encourage you to make this creamy tomato chicken recipe your own. Feel free to swap ingredients or adjust seasonings based on what you love or have on hand—there’s room to experiment!
- Add Heat: I sometimes toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to bring a gentle kick to the sauce—it’s amazing with a little spice.
- Dairy Swap: If mascarpone isn’t your thing, cream cheese or sour cream can work as alternatives, but mascarpone gives the best silky texture.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and layers of flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve this over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles to keep it light.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Roast those Cherry Tomatoes until Juicy and Soft
The first step sets the whole flavor tone: toss halved cherry tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a baking dish, then roast at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes. You want them soft and wrinkly—this means they’ve released their sweet juices that form the sauce base. I love this step because it intensifies the freshness and adds a subtle caramelized note that’s pure magic.
Step 2: Blend a Smooth, Herb-Infused Tomato Sauce
Once your tomatoes are roasted, carefully scoop out about a third and set them aside—these will top the chicken later for a beautiful finishing touch. Pour the rest into a blender along with chicken stock and fresh basil, then blend until smooth. This sauce is where all the flavors come together, so scraping in those juices is key—you don’t want to lose a drop!
Step 3: Prep and Sear the Chicken Perfectly
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four even pieces; seasoning with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper ensures each bite is flavorful. Heat olive oil over medium-high, then sear chicken on both sides until golden and almost cooked through—this usually takes just a few minutes per side. You’re looking for that beautiful crust that locks in juices, so don’t rush this part.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce Right in the Pan
Lower the heat to medium, add tomato puree to the pan and cook for a minute to deepen its flavor before pouring in your blended tomato sauce. Stir in mascarpone until the sauce turns silky and luxuriously creamy. This is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully, making every bite so satisfying.
Step 5: Bring it All Together and Serve
Return the seared chicken to the pan and baste it in your creamy tomato sauce, letting it simmer just long enough to finish cooking through. Top with the roasted tomato halves you set aside and sprinkle fresh basil leaves for an aromatic, colorful finish. This last touch makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe
- Room Temperature Chicken: I learned that letting the chicken rest out of the fridge for 15-20 minutes helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Skip Roasting Tomatoes: Roasting boosts the sweetness and complexity—it really elevates this recipe.
- Use Fresh Basil at the End: Adding basil at the last moment keeps its fragrance bright and fresh rather than cooked out.
- Watch Your Heat: Cooking the sauce on medium heat prevents mascarpone from curdling and keeps it creamy smooth.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I often garnish with a few extra fresh basil leaves because their aroma makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes I sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan on top for an umami boost—trust me, it’s incredible with the creamy tomato sauce.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are garlic bread and a fresh green salad to cut through the richness, but I’ve also enjoyed this recipe served simply over fluffy basmati rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I love plating this creamy tomato chicken recipe over a bed of creamy polenta, then topping with a few whole roasted tomatoes and microgreens. It makes for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress guests but still feels homey and heartfelt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and the sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld. Just keep the chicken submerged in the sauce to avoid it drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this creamy tomato chicken recipe a couple of times with success. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then package in freezer-safe containers. When thawed and reheated, the texture of the sauce stays creamy and smooth, though fresh basil is best added after reheating.
Reheating
Reheating gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water helps loosen the sauce without breaking the creaminess. Avoid microwaving if you can, but if you do, stir halfway through to keep it even.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of chicken for this creamy tomato chicken recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are tender and cook quickly, bone-in thighs work well too and add extra flavor. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
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Is mascarpone essential in this recipe?
Mascarpone is what gives this dish its signature creamy richness, but if you don’t have it, cream cheese or heavy cream can be substitutes. Just note the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
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Can I make this creamy tomato chicken recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your chicken stock and tomato puree labels to avoid hidden gluten additives.
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How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste if you like things spicy. I love adding a pinch for a gentle warmth.
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What sides go best with creamy tomato chicken?
Garlic bread, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even a crisp green salad all pair wonderfully with the creamy tomato chicken and help soak up the delicious sauce.
Final Thoughts
This creamy tomato chicken recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that perfect balance of simple ingredients turning into something truly delicious and comforting. I think you’ll love how the roasted tomatoes and creamy sauce transform everyday chicken into a memorable meal. Give this recipe a try—you might find it becoming your new favorite weeknight dinner, just like it did for me!
PrintCreamy Tomato Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Tomato Chicken is a delightful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, smooth tomato and mascarpone sauce infused with fresh basil and roasted garlic. This recipe balances the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes with savory herbs and creamy cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner served with garlic bread, salad, or a side of rice or potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2x 9oz (250g) Chicken Breasts, brought close to room temp
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
Sauce
- 500g (1lb) Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, finely diced
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, plus more to taste
- 1/2 small bunch Fresh Basil (15g / 0.5oz), plus extra leaves to garnish
- 60ml (1/4 cup) Chicken Stock
- 2 tbsp Tomato Puree (Tomato Paste)
- 100g (3.5oz) Mascarpone Cheese
Instructions
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the tomatoes are softened, wrinkly, and have released their juices.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Remove one-third of the roasted tomatoes and set aside. Transfer the remaining tomatoes and juices into a blender. Add chicken stock and fresh basil, then blend until smooth to create the base of your sauce.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally through the center to create four even-sized pieces. Season all over with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces for a few minutes on each side until golden and just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then add the tomato puree to the pan. Fry for about a minute to release its flavors. Pour in the blended tomato sauce, add the mascarpone, and stir well until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in any juices that collected from the resting chicken into the sauce. Return the chicken pieces to the pan and baste them in the sauce. Top with the reserved roasted tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for garnish. Serve hot.
Notes
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are ideal for this recipe as they roast beautifully and can be served on top. Baby plum tomatoes can be used as an alternative.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and salad leaves. The generous sauce also makes it perfect to serve alongside rice or potatoes to soak up every bit.
- Calories: The nutritional information provided corresponds to the entire recipe divided into 4 servings, excluding any side dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg