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    Home ยป Easy Dinner Recipes

    Easy One Pan Italian Chicken In Tomato Sauce

    Published: Apr 16, 2024 ยท Modified: Apr 16, 2024 by Deborah Rainford ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 6 Comments

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    Easy Italian chicken with mozzarella and tomato sauce in a skillet.

    One-pan Italian chicken in tomato sauce is a dinner saviour. Tender golden seared chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce baked under a topping of bubbling golden mozzarella cheese.

    Italian chicken in tomato sauce with mozzarella and basil in a skillet.

    For more easy Italian recipes try my Creamy chicken and bacon pasta, easy homemade pasta sauce, baked mushroom pasta and a collection of 10 pasta recipes you can make all week long.

    Jump to:
    • โญ๏ธ Why this recipe works
    • ๐Ÿงพ Ingredients overview
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ Here's how to make it
    • ๐Ÿ’ก Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
    • ๐Ÿฏ Storing and reheating leftovers
    • โ“Recipe FAQ's
    • Easy One Pan Italian Chicken In Tomato Sauce

    ⭐️ Why this recipe works

    • Rich flavours: The combination of smoked pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs creates a flavorful and authentic Italian chicken dish.
    • Versatile: This Italian chicken bake can be served with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
    • Easy preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

    🧾 Ingredients overview

    Ingredients for Italian chicken, including mozzarella and tinned tomatoes on a white table.
    • Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
    • Chicken breast: The main protein in the recipe, providing a lean and tender texture.
    • Smoked pancetta: Adds a smoky and salty flavour to the Italian chicken.
    • Yellow onion: Enhances the flavour base of the dish and adds sweetness.
    • Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic and savoury notes.
    • Fresh rosemary: Provides a fragrant and earthy flavour to the Italian chicken bake.
    • Fresh thyme: Adds a subtle herbaceous flavor to the dish.
    • Red pepper: Adds color, sweetness, and a slight crunch.
    • Sun-dried tomatoes: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a chewy texture.
    • Chopped tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce, providing richness and acidity.
    • Tomato puree: Enhances the tomato flavour and thickens the sauce.
    • Pasta seasoning mix: A blend of spices that adds depth of flavour to the Italian chicken bake.
    • Italian herb mix: A combination of herbs that complements the Italian-inspired flavours of the dish.
    • Double cream (heavy cream): Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
    • Vegetable stock: Optional, adds extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
    • Shredded mozzarella: Melts into a golden and bubbly topping for the Italian chicken.
    • Chopped parsley: Fresh herb garnish that adds colour and freshness to the finished dish.

      For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it

    Italian chicken recipe step-by-step
    Frying bacon and sauteing onions tomato sauce for Italian chicken.
    • Preheat and Prepare
      • Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
      • Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe frying pan with high sides.
    • Cook the Pancetta and Aromatics
      • Gently fry the smoked pancetta until it’s golden, crispy, and has rendered all of its fat.
      • Sauté the diced yellow onion and minced garlic in the bacon fat until the onion is soft and starting to turn golden, and the garlic is fragrant.
      • Add the finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and sauté for about 5 minutes. Remove to a small bowl while you sear the chicken.
    Simmering tomato sauce for the chicken.
    • Sear the Chicken
      • Season the chicken breast fillets on both sides with salt and pepper.
      • Place them into the skillet and sear on both sides until the chicken is golden. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
    • Prepare the Sauce
      • Place the finely chopped red pepper into the pan and sauté for a further 3-5 minutes, until the pepper has softened.
      • Add the onions and pancetta back into the pan.
      • Pour the tinned chopped tomatoes into the pan and add the tomato puree and sun-dried tomatoes.
      • Mix in the pasta seasoning mix and the Italian herb mix.
      • Pour the double cream into the sauce and whisk. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
    Chicken in tomato sauce with shredded mozzarella on top.
    • Bake the Italian Chicken
      • Place the seared chicken in the sauce and top with the shredded mozzarella.
      • Bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling, and the chicken is cooked through.
    Italian chicken in tomato sauce with mozzarella and basil in a skillet.

    💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips

    Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.

    • Searing the chicken: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a golden sear.
    • Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce to suit your personal preference.
    • Cheese topping: For an extra cheesy crust, broil the Italian chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.

    🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers

    • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
    • Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
    • Reheat: Reheat in a microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of vegetable stock or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

    ❓Recipe FAQ's

    Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

    Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time as needed.

    What other cheeses can I use?

    You can use grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

    Can I make the sauce spicy?

    Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to add some heat to the dish.

    Looking for more classic Italian recipes like this? Try these:

    • Homemade Italian style meatballs in a rustic tomato sauce in a white bowl.
      Easy Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
    • Creamy tomato chicken pasta in a green bowl- Aldi chicken recipes
      Easy 30 Minute Chicken Tomato Pasta
    • Halloumi pasta with tomatoes and spaghetti in a skillet.
      Easy Halloumi Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce
    • Chorizo pasta with mozzarella.
      Quick And Easy One Pot Chorizo Pasta 7 Ingredients

    If you tried this Italian chicken recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Also, please leave a star rating while you're there!

    For more recipe ideas, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and join our exclusive Facebook group.

    For meal planning assistance, check out our weekly Aldi-only meal plans, free for subscribers.

    Craving more comfort food? Visit our sister site, Salted Mint, for easy, delicious recipes with everyday ingredients.

    Italian chicken in tomato sauce with mozzarella and basil in a skillet.

    Easy One Pan Italian Chicken In Tomato Sauce

    This one-pot Italian chicken in tomato sauce is a true winner. Rich and hearty sauce, golden seared chicken and a bubbly topping of melted mozzarella. 
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 Servings
    Save This RecipeSaved!
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    Author: Deborah Rainford

    Ingredients

    For the Chicken:

    • 600 g chicken breast mini fillets, or chicken breast
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

    For the Sauce:

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 85 g smoked pancetta
    • 1 yellow onion, diced
    • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 sprig fresh rosemary, finely chopped
    • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked
    • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
    • 2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
    • 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
    • 1 teaspoon tomato puree
    • ½ teaspoon pasta seasoning mix
    • ½ teaspoon Italian herb mix
    • 2-3 tablespoons double cream, *see notes
    • 75 ml vegetable stock made with a stock cube, optional (*see notes)
    • 30-50 g shredded mozzarella
    • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for serving

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 180ºC.

    • Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe frying pan with high sides.

    Cook the pancetta and aromatics

    • Gently fry the smoked pancetta until golden, crispy, and the fat has rendered. Remove to a bowl lined with kitchen paper to absorb any extra grease.
    • In the same pan with the pancetta fat, sauté the diced yellow onion and minced garlic until the onion is soft and starting to turn golden, and the garlic is fragrant.
    • Add the finely chopped fresh rosemary and thyme to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes. Remove the onions from the pan and place them in the bowl with the pancetta.

    Sear the chicken

    • Season the chicken breast mini fillets on both sides with salt and pepper.
    • Place the chicken into the skillet and sear on both sides until golden. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

    Prepare the sauce

    • Add the finely chopped red pepper to the pan and sauté for a further 3-5 minutes, until softened.
    • Return the onions and pancetta to the pan. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and add the tomato puree. Mix in the pasta seasoning mix and the Italian herb mix.
    • Pour in the double cream and whisk the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

    Bake the chicken

    • Place the seared chicken in the sauce and top with the shredded mozzarella.
    • Bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling and the chicken is cooked through. Top with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.

    Notes

    • Double Cream: Use 2-3 tablespoons of double cream to add creaminess to the sauce. You can adjust the amount according to your preference.
    • Vegetable Stock: Adding 75 ml of vegetable stock made with a stock cube is optional but adds extra flavour and moisture to the dish. You can substitute with chicken stock or water if preferred.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 588mg | Potassium: 948mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1323IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag Me @savvybites or tag #savvybites!
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    Meet the Chef!

    Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef dedicated to helping you create unforgettable meals on a budget. Discover more about my journey and dive into a world of foolproof recipes designed for those who love to eat well without overspending.

    Learn more about me →

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. ASHLEY CHAMPLIN

      June 28, 2024 at 12:40 pm

      What is pasta seasoning mix? I'm so excited your recipes look delicious!

      Reply
      • Deborah Rainford

        October 14, 2024 at 8:47 pm

        You can get pasta seasoning in most herb and spice aisles. It's usually a blend of dried oregano, basil, parsley, salt and some chilli flakes. If you can't find any you can make your own. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    2. Sam

      January 06, 2022 at 6:10 am

      5 stars
      I loved this recipe. Thank you. Just kept it light and served it with a salad and some bread and it was perfect!

      Reply
      • Deborah Rainford

        January 06, 2022 at 6:11 am

        That sounds perfect Sam!

        Reply
        • RICHARD A Foley

          April 27, 2024 at 11:29 pm

          Deb, Love your recipes but with so many adds popping up constantly, it's so distracting and annoying. Sorry I wont be on your web site again. Rich

          Reply
          • Deborah Rainford

            May 12, 2024 at 8:29 pm

            Thanks for the comment, Rich. The ads help me keep all the recipes and content free, but I'm sorry you see them as an inconvenience. With the cost-of-living crisis, I'm even more adamant about keeping all the content free. I completely respect your choice, but if you need more easy, budget-friendly recipes (that are free!) in the future, I'll be here! Thanks for being a reader. Best wishes. Debs

            Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Easy Italian chicken with mozzarella and tomato sauce in a skillet.

    Hi, I'm Deborah! A Cordon Bleu graduate with more than 10 years of restaurant cooking experience. I now focus on helping you create easy, delicious and healthy(ish) budget recipes from scratch using only Aldi ingredients. Welcome to my virtual kitchen!

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