Three-Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Tomato Basil Sauce

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

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy cheese blend, topped with a vibrant tomato-basil sauce and served with garlic mashed potatoes. This italian-american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes blends (5 oz each) boneless chicken breasts, (shredded) mozzarella cheese, (grated) parmesan cheese 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 520 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: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian-American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Butterfly chicken breasts by slicing horizontally almost through the center. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.
  2. Step 2: Mix 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, and 2 oz softened cream cheese. Divide evenly among chicken breasts and roll up tightly. Secure with toothpicks.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp butter in oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2 minutes per side until golden. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: While chicken bakes, make sauce: Melt 1 tbsp butter in saucepan. Sauté 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 5 minutes until soft. Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped basil. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: For potatoes: Boil 1 lb cubed potatoes in salted water for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with 2 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup heavy cream until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Slice chicken, serve with tomato-basil sauce drizzled over top and a generous portion of garlic mashed potatoes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Three-Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Three-Cheese Stuffed Chicken 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 Three-Cheese Stuffed Chicken 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 Three-Cheese Stuffed Chicken 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 Three-Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Italian-American 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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