Imagine a dish so luxurious and flavorful that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. Our Chicken with Tomato Mascarpone recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that combines the rich, velvety texture of mascarpone cheese with perfectly seared chicken and burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes. In just 35 minutes, you'll create an Italian-inspired masterpiece that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen, but can be easily prepared in your own home.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is almost smoking.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.
- Flip chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a warm plate, tenting loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in mascarpone cheese, creating a creamy sauce. Gently mix until cheese is melted and tomatoes are coated.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the tomato mascarpone sauce over the breasts to reheat and combine flavors.
- Plate the chicken and spoon additional sauce and tomatoes over the top. Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let chicken sit out for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry, tough meat.
- Moisture is the Enemy: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning. This helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crust that seals in juices.
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Cook chicken in a single layer with enough space between pieces to prevent steaming and ensure proper browning.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly cooked meat.
- Sauce Technique: Lower the heat when adding mascarpone to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Bonus Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the final dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
