Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Tomato-Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant fresh tomato and basil sauce, bringing classic Italian flavors to your dinner table. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, halved cherry tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften and release juices.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup white wine and simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), then return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the breasts to coat and heat through for 2 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Tomato-Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Tomato-Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Tomato-Basil Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Tomato-Basil Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Italian Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Tomato-Basil Sauce?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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