One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Mozzarella
Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato basil sauce, finished with melted mozzarella for a comforting one-pot dinner. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through; remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 4 cloves minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon tomato sauce over them, then sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
- Step 6: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the mozzarella melts.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Mozzarella take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Mozzarella?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Mozzarella?
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-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Mozzarella 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-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Mozzarella?
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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