Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is a deliciously rich and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and paired with a creamy pesto sauce, while roasted grape tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and depth. With a touch of garlic, Parmesan, and basil pesto, this dish delivers layers of flavor that are both comforting and elegant. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Pesto Chicken is a fantastic combination of creamy, tangy, and savory elements. The pesto sauce brings a vibrant, herby flavor, while the roasted tomatoes add a juicy, sweet contrast. The chicken is tender and juicy, making this dish both comforting and satisfying. The best part? It’s easy to make and comes together in less than 45 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

• 4 medium chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 10 oz grape tomatoes
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt + black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the grape tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer and roast for about 20 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and tender.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the tomatoes are roasting, season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until browned on the edges and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until slightly caramelized, adding a little oil if necessary. Once the onion is softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: Add the basil pesto to the skillet with the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Then, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently and bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Combine and Heat: Return the cooked chicken and roasted tomatoes to the skillet. Stir gently and let everything reheat together for a couple of minutes. If you want extra spice, sprinkle the red chili pepper flakes over the top before serving.
7. Serve: Serve the creamy pesto chicken with the roasted tomatoes immediately, ensuring each serving gets a generous amount of the creamy sauce and tomatoes. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

1. Add Vegetables: Feel free to add some sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the skillet for added veggies and texture.
2. Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, but make sure the pesto you use is gluten-free if you’re concerned about cross-contamination.
3. Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a chopped fresh chili to the pesto sauce.
4. Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.
5. Add Pine Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover creamy pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. You can add a little splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as it reheats.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Simply reheat everything together when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works just fine in this recipe. However, making your own pesto from fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil will give the dish even more vibrant flavor.

Can I use other tomatoes?

Grape tomatoes are ideal for roasting, but you can also use cherry tomatoes or even diced Roma tomatoes. Just ensure they’re small enough to roast well.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! You can add more red chili pepper flakes to the pesto sauce or sprinkle some extra chili flakes on top of the chicken when serving for a spicy kick.

How do I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten it up, you can swap the heavy cream for a lighter cream or milk alternative, and reduce the amount of cheese used in the sauce.

Can I add pasta to this dish?

Absolutely! This creamy pesto chicken would pair wonderfully with a side of pasta. Just toss the cooked pasta in the pesto cream sauce and serve with the chicken and roasted tomatoes on top.

Can I freeze the creamy pesto chicken?

While it’s not ideal to freeze the creamy sauce, you can freeze the cooked chicken and roasted tomatoes. Reheat and add fresh cream when you’re ready to serve.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) or when the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream or even half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.

Conclusion

This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is a mouthwatering, easy-to-make meal that brings together juicy chicken, a rich pesto cream sauce, and the burst of sweetness from roasted tomatoes. It’s perfect for anyone craving a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!

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