Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe: Dreamy Dinner Magic

Crafting a delightful pesto chicken promises an explosion of Mediterranean-inspired flavors that dance across your plate.

Tender chicken breasts nestle perfectly with vibrant roasted tomatoes in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Summer herbs infuse each succulent bite with robust character.

Fresh basil and garlic create a harmonious blend that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth to the creamy sauce, making every forkful irresistible.

Weeknight dinners never looked this elegant or tasted this incredible.

Let’s whip up this restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Rundown

• Swap ingredients like chicken for fish or tofu, adjust sauce thickness, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delightful flavor profile.
• Suitable for weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, this creamy pesto chicken appeals to various taste preferences and impresses guests with minimal effort.
• Streamline your cooking process by using the same skillet for multiple steps, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation a breeze for anyone seeking efficient cooking solutions.

What You Need for Pesto Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy protein that serves as the core of this delicious main dish.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, roasted tomatoes that add brightness and caramelized flavor to the dish.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that provides a fresh garnish and classic pesto flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, concentrated garlic flavor to season the chicken.

• Pesto Sauce: Rich, herbaceous sauce that brings intense basil and herb flavor to the chicken.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious texture for the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for roasting tomatoes and cooking chicken, adding subtle richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Cooking Creamy Pesto Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Oven Workspace

Warm up your oven to 400F (200C).

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray.

Step 2: Roast Delightful Tomatoes

Spread cherry tomato halves across the baking sheet.

Do a quick drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Send them into the oven for 10-12 minutes until they turn soft and develop caramel-like edges.

Step 3: Sear Golden Chicken

Warm another splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until completely done and sporting a beautiful golden crust.

Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

Lower skillet heat to medium.

• Pesto sauce
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until sauce becomes silky smooth and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Combine Flavors

Gently return chicken to the skillet.

Lavish each piece with the dreamy pesto sauce.

Crown with roasted tomatoes.

Step 6: Plate with Flair

Optional: Scatter fresh basil leaves on top.

Serve alongside rice, pasta, or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips for Creamy Pesto Chicken

• Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor and caramelization. Pat them dry before roasting to ensure they crisp up nicely and develop those delicious golden edges.
• Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and maintain tenderness. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
• Choose high-quality store-bought or homemade pesto for richer taste. If sauce seems too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta water or chicken broth for silky consistency.
• Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version. These alternatives absorb the creamy pesto sauce wonderfully without adding extra carbohydrates.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This substitution maintains the sauce's creamy texture while accommodating dairy-free diets.

Storage Advice for Pesto Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Transfer chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate tomatoes if possible to prevent soggy texture when reheating.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring sauce between cycles until warmed through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, add splash of cream or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely. Remove foil during last 2-3 minutes to crisp chicken surface.

Pesto Chicken Pairings

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy pesto sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the herb and chicken flavors.
• Match with Garlic Focaccia Bread: Serve warm, crusty focaccia alongside the dish to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Create Fresh Arugula Salad: Prepare a light salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to balance the rich, creamy main course and add a bright, fresh element to the meal.
• Recommend Roasted Herb Potatoes: Slice small potatoes, toss with rosemary and thyme, and roast until crispy to provide a complementary starch that echoes the herb notes in the pesto chicken.

Pesto Chicken Flavor Variations

• Vegan Herb Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, sliced and marinated in herb-infused olive oil. Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Option: Use almond-flour-coated chicken breasts instead of traditional seasoning. Substitute regular pesto with homemade gluten-free pesto made from basil, pine nuts, and olive oil.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Replace cherry tomatoes with roasted zucchini or bell pepper slices. Use full-fat cream and add extra Parmesan cheese to increase fat content. Serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables for a low-carbohydrate meal.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add smoked paprika and chipotle powder to chicken seasoning. Mix cayenne pepper into pesto sauce for extra heat. Top with sliced jalapeños and serve with cilantro-lime cauliflower rice.

FAQs

• What is pesto sauce made of?

Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce created with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. The ingredients are blended together to create a vibrant green, aromatic sauce with rich flavor.

• Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly fine. Choose a high-quality brand for the best taste. If you prefer, you can also make your own homemade pesto using fresh ingredients.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, double-check your store-bought pesto sauce to confirm it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing additives, as ingredients can vary between brands.

Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pesto chicken elevates dinner with Mediterranean flair, blending herbal richness and juicy roasted tomatoes. Crisp textures and bold flavors invite you to savor this simple yet sophisticated Italian-inspired meal that promises comfort and culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 400F (200C) and ready a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
2. Distribute cherry tomato halves across the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then roast for 10-12 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
3. Warm remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Pour pesto sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese into the pan, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and heated through, approximately 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Gently place cooked chicken back into the skillet, coating each piece generously with the creamy pesto sauce. Scatter roasted cherry tomatoes over the chicken.
6. Optional: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for added aroma and visual appeal. Plate alongside preferred accompaniments like rice, pasta, or a crisp salad.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Customize Pesto Variations: Swap traditional basil pesto with sun-dried tomato, spinach, or kale pesto for diverse flavor profiles and added nutrition.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for lighter sauce, and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Quick Meal Prep: Marinate chicken in pesto overnight to intensify flavors and reduce day-of cooking time, making weeknight dinner preparation faster and more convenient.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 724 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 138 mg