Italian Chicken or Shrimp W Tomato Cream Sauce
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with this versatile recipe for Italian Chicken or Shrimp with Tomato Cream Sauce. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts or succulent shrimp are sautéed until golden and then nestled in a luscious, velvety tomato cream sauce made with garlic, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish, while a touch of optional crushed red pepper provides a subtle kick. Serve this elegant yet easy dish over al dente pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive date-night meal, this recipe comes together in just 40 minutes and offers restaurant-quality taste right from your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika (for optional seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 28-ounce can Canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)
- 12 ounces Cooked pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne) or crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts (or shrimp) with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) on both sides.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. If using chicken, cook each side for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If using shrimp, cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Return the cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Allow it to sit in the sauce for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavor.
Turn off the heat and scatter the chopped fresh basil over the dish.
Serve hot over cooked pasta or with slices of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Garnish with additional Parmesan and basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3317 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 173.0 g | 222% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.5 g | 403% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 924 mg | 308% | |
| Sodium | 4771 mg | 207% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 158.8 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.5 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.8 g | ||
| Protein | 259.7 g | 519% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 868 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 18.8 mg | 104% | |
| Potassium | 4792 mg | 102% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
