Description
This 30 Minute Mozzarella Chicken in Homemade Tomato Sauce is a quick and flavorful dinner featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly paired with pasta or crusty bread, it combines simple ingredients for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 small chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tomato Sauce
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato pesto (homemade)
- ¼ cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Serving
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup shredded)
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish
- Pasta or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate. If serving with pasta, start boiling water and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: Using the same pan with the remaining oil, add the chopped onions. If the pan is dry, add ½ teaspoon olive oil. Sauté onions for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and sun-dried tomato pesto. When the sauce begins to simmer, add ¼ cup water, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Broil: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts into the sauce in the skillet, spooning sauce over the chicken to cover. Top each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and just melted. Remove from oven.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the chicken. Serve immediately with cooked pasta or crusty bread and a salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Sun-dried tomato pesto enhances the sauce flavor, but basil pesto can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a mild sauce.
- Use either slices or shredded mozzarella based on preference or availability.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
