Description
Moist, cheesy, and bursting with fresh basil flavors, Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a delicious and elegant dinner option perfect for weeknights or special occasions. This dish features tender chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella and served in a fragrant basil-infused cream sauce, blending comfort with gourmet flair.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in chopped fresh basil and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and cover the skillet. Place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Serve hot with your preferred sides like garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. Consider pairing with bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
- You can prepare the sauce and chicken parts ahead to save time.
- If freezing leftovers, reheat gently to prevent cheese from becoming stringy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking & Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 125mg