Tomato-Garlic Chicken with Cream

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

Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of equal parts tomato puree and heavy cream, infused with garlic and thyme for a comforting weeknight dinner. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs Tomato puree, Heavy cream, Garlic, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup tomato puree and 1/2 cup heavy cream, then add 1 tsp fresh thyme.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to skillet, coating it in sauce, and cook for 2 more minutes.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Garlic Chicken with Cream take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Tomato-Garlic Chicken with Cream?

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 tomato puree from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Garlic Chicken with Cream?

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 Tomato-Garlic Chicken with Cream 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 Tomato-Garlic Chicken with Cream?

American one pot 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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