One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan

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

Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a fragrant tomato basil sauce with garlic and finished with Parmesan cheese for a flavorful, easy dinner. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper and sear them in the skillet for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Stir and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for another 3 minutes over low heat until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan?

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 One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan 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 One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan?

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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