Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato Ragù
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served with a hot, fragrant tomato ragù infused with garlic and red pepper flakes for a warming Italian meal. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs skinless chicken breasts, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 (6 oz each) skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes and stir in 1 tsp dried oregano. Simmer sauce for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil and return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Cook for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 6: Serve chicken topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese while hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato Ragù 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato Ragù?
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 skinless chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato Ragù?
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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato Ragù for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Tomato Ragù?
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.
