Oven Baked Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season both sides of the chicken breasts and place them in a lightly greased glass baking dish.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together crushed tomatoes, garlic, and cream. Pour the mixture evenly over and around the chicken.
Initial Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
Add Toppings: Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle with the shredded cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Final Melt: Return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly.
Garnish: Top with whole or chiffonade fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their bright color.

Perfect Pairings: Serve this chicken over a bed of pasta or with a side of 20-Minute Homemade Bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce.
Vegetable Sides: A fresh garden salad or a side of Stuffed Celery provides a crisp, cool balance to the warm, rich chicken.
Other Savory Options: If you enjoy one-pan chicken meals, you might also like the 5-Ingredient Oven Chicken Tenders or the Slow Cooker Creamy Goat Cheese Chicken Cavatelli.
Seasonal Dessert: Follow this Italian-style meal with a light, fruit-filled dessert like 2-Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars or the Slow Cooker Lemon Puff Pastry Pudding.