Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken over Polenta

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken over Polenta

Julia

This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken over Polenta transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, restaurant-worthy dinner that's naturally gluten-free. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, then nestled in a luscious cream sauce infused with sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil. The sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy and rich, with each spoonful delivering comfort in every bite.

The foundation of this dish is creamy polenta—a traditional Italian staple made from stone-ground cornmeal that's been enriched with butter and Parmesan cheese. As it simmers, the polenta transforms into a velvety, luxurious bed that soaks up the vibrant tomato-basil sauce beautifully. The combination of textures—silky polenta, juicy chicken, and smooth cream sauce—creates a harmonious dish that feels both rustic and refined.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to deliver sophisticated flavors without complicated techniques. The dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something more special than your usual rotation. It's also incredibly satisfying and filling, with the polenta providing a hearty base that's far more interesting than rice or pasta. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this gluten-free comfort food will become a beloved staple in your dinner repertoire.

Nutrition

45 minutes
None servings
625 calories
Fat 28.00g
Carbs 42.00g
Protein 52.00g

Ingredients

4 piecesboneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1 tspsalt, divided
1/2 tspblack pepper, divided
2 tbspolive oil
4 clovesgarlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz)crushed tomatoes
3/4 cupheavy cream
1/2 cupfresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
4 cupschicken broth, gluten-free
1 cuppolenta or coarse cornmeal
2 tbspunsalted butter
1/2 cupParmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/4 tspred pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment

Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Whisk
aluminum foil
medium saucepan
chef's knife
meat thermometer
measuring cups and spoons
large skillet
grater

16:8 Diet

Perfect for the 16:8 eating window, this substantial meal provides balanced nutrition with quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied. The nutrient-dense whole food ingredients deliver sustained energy and help meet daily nutritional needs within the compressed eating timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 approach with the majority of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods: lean chicken breast, fresh tomatoes, basil, and stone-ground polenta. The modest amounts of cream and Parmesan add richness and satisfaction while keeping the overall focus on wholesome, minimally processed ingredients.

Diabetic Diet

This recipe supports blood sugar management with lean protein from chicken breast to slow carbohydrate absorption, and the polenta provides complex carbohydrates with a moderate glycemic index. The fiber from vegetables and the balanced macronutrients help maintain stable blood sugar levels, though portion control of the polenta is recommended.

Flexible Dieting

This recipe exemplifies flexible dieting principles by using whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that can easily fit into various macro targets. With clear portions and balanced nutrition from lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, it demonstrates how satisfying, flavorful meals can be part of a sustainable eating approach.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using polenta (cornmeal) instead of wheat-based pasta or grains. All ingredients—chicken, tomatoes, cream, herbs, and Parmesan—are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten while ensuring the chicken broth used is certified gluten-free.

High-Protein Diet

This recipe delivers substantial protein from four chicken breasts along with additional protein from Parmesan cheese, easily providing 30+ grams of protein per serving. The lean chicken breast is the star of the dish, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety while the polenta and vegetables provide balanced nutrition.

IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros)

This balanced recipe provides clear portions with measurable macronutrients from lean protein (chicken breast), complex carbohydrates (polenta), and moderate fats (cream, olive oil, Parmesan). The whole food ingredients make it easy to track and fit into personalized macro targets while delivering satisfying, restaurant-quality flavor.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense recipe is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing high-quality protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and cream, and complex carbohydrates from polenta to keep you satisfied throughout fasting periods. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients support stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe honors intuitive eating principles by focusing on satisfaction and nourishment without restriction. The combination of textures—silky polenta, tender chicken, and creamy sauce—creates a truly enjoyable eating experience that satisfies both physical hunger and the desire for flavorful, comforting food.

Macro Diet

Perfect for macro tracking with well-defined portions and balanced macronutrients: substantial protein from chicken breast, controlled carbohydrates from polenta, and moderate healthy fats from olive oil and dairy. The recipe's whole food ingredients provide good satiety while being straightforward to log and calculate.

Mindful Eating

This recipe is ideal for mindful eating with its variety of textures (creamy polenta, tender chicken, smooth sauce), vibrant colors (red tomatoes, green basil), and aromatic fresh herbs that engage multiple senses. The whole food ingredients and elegant presentation encourage slow, conscious consumption and full appreciation of each component.

Instructions

1

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

1 min
2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

2 min
3
7 min

Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them, until golden brown.

4
7 min

Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 6-7 minutes on the second side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.

5
1 min

Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.

6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

1 min
7

Add the heavy cream and red pepper flakes (if using) to the tomato mixture. Stir well to combine.

8
5 min

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

9

Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

1 min
10

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Reduce heat to low and keep warm while preparing the polenta.

1 min
11
5 min

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat.

12

Gradually whisk in the polenta in a steady stream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

1 min
13
20 min

Reduce heat to low and simmer the polenta, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy, about 30 minutes. The polenta should pull away from the sides of the pan.

14

Remove polenta from heat and stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt to taste.

1 min
15

Divide the creamy polenta among four serving plates, spreading it slightly to create a bed.

1 min
16

Place one chicken breast on top of each portion of polenta and generously spoon the tomato basil cream sauce over the chicken.

1 min
17

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions