Here’s a delicious and indulgent recipe for Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, rich and creamy pesto sauce, and sweet roasted tomatoes for a flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Roasted Tomatoes
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Pesto Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the Tomatoes: Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and starting to burst. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream, pesto, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate the Dish: Serve the creamy pesto chicken breasts on plates, spooning additional sauce over the top.
- Add the Roasted Tomatoes: Top with the roasted tomatoes, allowing their juices to mingle with the sauce.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Chicken Thickness: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning and cooking.
- Homemade Pesto: For a fresher flavor, consider making your own pesto with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with pasta, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of creamy pesto sauce, juicy chicken, and sweet roasted tomatoes is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!