One-Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated, divided
• 4 cups kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves roughly chopped, packed
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, thinly sliced, for topping