Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken with Parmesan Polenta
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave something creamy, comforting, and ridiculously tasty? This Creamy Tomato & Basil Chicken with Parmesan Polenta is all that.
Trust me, the heavy whipping cream takes it to another level! It is a hug on a plate, honestly.
Brief Overview
This recipe is Italian American comfort food at its finest. It's a medium level dish, taking about 55 minutes total. It will serve about 4 people. You know, it is fancy enough for guests.
Main Benefits
Using heavy whipping cream adds a touch of luxury and makes this dish extra special. It is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a casual weekend get-together. It's a real crowd pleaser.
Homemade Comfort: Creamy Tomato & Basil Chicken
Right, let's dive into this gorgeous Creamy Tomato & Basil Chicken with Parmesan Polenta. This isn't your average tomato sauce recipe. The secret? Heavy whipping cream , obvs!
This recipe is all about taking humble ingredients and making them sing. Imagine tender chicken, simmered in a rich, creamy tomato and basil sauce, nestled on a bed of cheesy, dreamy polenta.
Oh my gosh, I am drooling already!
The Creamy Magic
The real star here is the heavy whipping cream . It turns a standard tomato sauce into something velvety and decadent.
It tames the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a perfectly balanced flavour. honestly, it's like a warm blanket on a cold day.
Using coconut milk can replace heavy whipping cream for a dairy-free option, although it can be hard to find a great cooking substitution for it.
From Nonna's Kitchen (Sort Of!)
This recipe kinda reminds me of what my grandma used to make. Not that she actually made this exact dish.
But this is inspired in the Italian comfort food recipes of my family. She never measured anything! Parmesan polenta recipe is also a family favorite.
I've just tweaked it a bit to make it a little more... well, me . Let's get cooking!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this Creamy Tomato & Basil Chicken with Parmesan Polenta! Seriously, this is Italian comfort food recipes at its finest.
You'll wanna get your apron on!
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for plump, evenly sized breasts. They shouldn't smell funky, okay?
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Extra virgin is best, but whatever you have on hand works!
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Yellow onions are your best friend for flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Freshly minced is always better than the jarred stuff, honestly.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz / 794g) can. San Marzano tomatoes are the bomb if you can find 'em, but any good quality crushed tomatoes will do.
- White Wine: 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine. I like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Don't use anything you wouldn't drink!
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml) low sodium. We don't wanna over salt, right?
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup (240 ml). This is the star! It needs to be cold. Heavy whipping cream makes the sauce super rich and decadent. More about that later!
- Basil: 1/4 cup (approximately 15g) chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish. Fresh is a must!
- Oregano: 1 tsp dried.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional). For a bit of a kick!
- Polenta: 1 cup (160g) coarse ground polenta (cornmeal). Don't get the instant kind!
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated. Freshly grated is always better!
Seasoning Notes
Essential spice combinations? We're talking oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Classic Italian! Don't be afraid to adjust to your taste.
Feel free to add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
Homemade heavy cream it's tricky to master, but if you're out, you could try a mixture of milk and butter (though the texture won't be quite the same).
But honestly, heavy whipping cream is irreplaceable.
For flavor enhancers, garlic is your BFF. Trust me! As for Cooking Substitutions , a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up.
This creamy tomato sauce recipes calls for the real deal: heavy whipping cream .
If you are looking for how to make soup creamy without heavy cream , you can use coconut milk.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven. This is where the magic happens.
- Medium saucepan. For the Parmesan polenta recipe .
- Whisk. No lumps allowed!
- Cutting board and Chef's knife. Obvious, right?
No fancy equipment needed. If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch!
Creamy Tomato & Basil Chicken with Parmesan Polenta: Italian Comfort Food Recipes Elevated
Honestly, who doesn't love a good hug on a plate? This Creamy Tomato & Basil Chicken with Parmesan Polenta recipe is exactly that.
It takes simple Italian comfort food recipes and kicks them up a notch. The secret? A splash of heavy whipping cream ! This adds a velvety texture that makes this dish truly special.
This is one of the best recipes using heavy cream .
Prep Steps: Getting Your Mise en Place Sorted
- Essential mise en place : Chop your onion, mince that garlic, and measure out your herbs. Having everything ready makes cooking a breeze.
- Time saving organization tips : I like to prep all my ingredients while the oven is preheating. Saves time and keeps things efficient.
- Safety reminders : Watch those fingers when chopping! And remember to wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken. You know? Safety first!
step-by-step: Creating Creamy Chicken Magic
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken in olive oil until golden. Set aside.
- Sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and scrape up browned bits from the pan.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Return chicken to sauce.
- Simmer, covered, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C .
- Remove chicken. Stir in heavy whipping cream and basil. Simmer until thickened.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Cooking
- Expert technique: Don't let the sauce boil after adding heavy whipping cream ! Simmer it gently to prevent curdling. No one wants that, right?
- Common mistake to avoid: Overcooking the chicken! Sear it first, then let it finish in the sauce for ultimate juiciness.
- make-ahead option: You can totally make the polenta a day ahead. Just reheat it with a little extra milk or water to loosen it up. For heavy cream recipes , make the creamy tomato sauce ahead and assemble it fresh for optimum flavor. Thinking about homemade heavy cream is great in a pinch but nothing beats the full fat flavor!
- For how to make soup creamy without heavy cream you can use blended cannellini beans. It's a very tasty cooking substitution
Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe
If you have left over heavy whipping cream, you can make Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe by whipping the heavy whipping cream until it forms soft peaks.
A dollop would be great with any creamy tomato sauce recipes or even chicken and polenta recipes
This Parmesan polenta recipe can be paired with just about anything, but it goes perfect with our Creamy Tomato & Basil Chicken.
Give it a go you'll thank me later. It’s seriously yummy. A great way to make heavy cream recipes .
Recipe Notes
Honestly, this Creamy Tomato & Basil Chicken and polenta recipes is more than just a meal. It's like a warm hug from your Nonna, even if you don't have a Nonna! Before you dive in, here are a few notes to help you nail it.
Let's talk tips and tricks!
Serving Suggestions Make it Pretty!
Okay, so plating is totally optional. But, you know ? Presentation can make food taste even better. Try arranging the Parmesan polenta recipe in a swirl, topping it with the chicken, and then drizzling extra sauce around.
A sprinkle of fresh basil is the perfect finishing touch. It makes all the difference!
For sides, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will cut through the richness. A glass of crisp Italian white wine? Yes, please. Or even a fizzy Aperol Spritz!
Storage Tips - Keep It Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you. You can store the chicken and sauce in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure you put it in an airtight container, obviously .
The polenta can also be refrigerated, but it tends to get a bit firm.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the sauce to loosen it up. The polenta can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra liquid.
Don't boil it. If you wanna know how to make soup creamy without heavy cream , you probably won't be using this method because it uses heavy whipping cream , but for other recipes that don't include heavy whipping cream , boiling it after adding the cream can curdle it.
Freezing is not ideal due to the heavy whipping cream , as it can change the texture upon thawing.
Variations Your Kitchen, Your Rules
Wanna switch things up? Go for it! For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you are trying to use homemade heavy cream , be sure to check the recipe to determine if it needs to be pasteurized.
Need a dairy-free option? Use full fat coconut milk instead of heavy whipping cream . Just remember it will add a slight coconut flavor.
You could use chicken thighs for a richer flavour or try adding mushrooms for an earthy kick. There are tons of heavy cream recipes out there and lots of different cooking substitutions .
Nutrition Basics The Good Stuff
Each serving clocks in at around 650 calories. You'll get a good dose of protein (55g) from the chicken and moderate amounts of fat (35g) and carbs (30g).
The sauce does have some sugar (12g), but that's primarily from the tomatoes, naturally, with creamy tomato sauce recipes
The calcium from the Parmesan in the Parmesan polenta recipe is great for bones, and the lycopene in tomatoes is an antioxidant.
However, keep in mind this is an estimate. Actual values will vary based on your specific ingredients.
Honestly, this Italian comfort food recipes is about more than just numbers. It's about enjoying good food with good people.
So grab your apron, put on some tunes, and get cooking! You got this! If you are using homemade whipped cream recipe in any recipe, you can store it in the fridge and make it the day before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute anything for the heavy whipping cream in this recipe? I'm trying to watch my waistline!
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room the richness of heavy whipping cream! While it's key for that luxurious texture, you can try a lighter alternative. You could substitute half and-half for a slightly less decadent sauce, but be aware it won't thicken quite as much.
For a dairy-free option, full fat coconut milk will work, though it will subtly alter the flavor profile.
My creamy tomato sauce with heavy whipping cream looks curdled. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it? Is my sauce ruined?
Oh dear, curdling cream is a chef's worst nightmare! This usually happens when cream is exposed to high heat or acidic ingredients too quickly. To prevent it, make sure your sauce is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, before adding the heavy whipping cream.
You can often rescue a slightly curdled sauce by whisking it vigorously off the heat or adding a tablespoon of cold water and whisking again think of it as a culinary defibrillator!
How should I store leftover creamy tomato chicken, and how long will it last?
Proper storage is key, or you'll be singing the blues! Allow the creamy tomato chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating or curdling.
A splash of milk or broth can help restore its creamy consistency.
Can I freeze this creamy tomato chicken recipe? I'm all about meal prepping these days!
Freezing dishes with heavy whipping cream can be a bit hit-or-miss, as the texture can sometimes change upon thawing. The sauce might separate slightly, so consider that before throwing the whole batch in the freezer. If you do want to freeze it, let it cool completely and store in freezer safe containers.
When you thaw it, do it in the fridge overnight and gently reheat it on the stove top, stirring frequently. You might need to add a touch of extra cream or a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to bring the sauce back together.
I've got a carton of heavy whipping cream that's about to expire. Besides this chicken recipe, what else can I make with it?
Don't let that precious heavy whipping cream go to waste! Besides this delicious creamy tomato chicken, you can whip it up into homemade whipped cream for desserts. It’s excellent in pasta sauces, adds richness to scrambled eggs, or can even be used to make homemade ice cream.
You could even try making a decadent chocolate ganache - the possibilities are endless, so get creative!
How can I make this dish healthier while still enjoying the taste?
That's a great question! To lighten things up, you could use chicken thighs instead of breasts - they're surprisingly leaner when skinless and boneless, plus they're more flavorful.
In terms of the sauce, consider reducing the amount of heavy whipping cream and bulking it up with more chicken broth or even a little pureed cauliflower for added creaminess without all the fat and calories. Serve with a side of steamed greens or a salad instead of polenta to keep the meal balanced!
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken With Parmesan Polent
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 4g |
