Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is a quick and delicious one-pan dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a creamy pesto sauce and paired with juicy roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Tomatoes:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Roasted Tomatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 15โ20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly blistered.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 4โ5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sautรฉ for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3โ5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 8โ10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165ยฐF/74ยฐC).
- Top with roasted tomatoes and garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
- For a lower-calorie option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Pairs well with spaghetti, rice, or mashed potatoes.