Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned and seared to perfection, combined with sweet, blistered roasted cherry tomatoes and a rich, creamy basil pesto sauce. This 30-minute recipe delivers a comforting and elegant meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Roasted Tomatoes
- 10 oz grape tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Roast Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Toss the grape tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Place them in the oven and roast for 20 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side or until the outside is browned and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Prepare the Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until caramelized and soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the basil pesto, heavy whipping cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and develop rich flavors. Add red chili pepper flakes if you desire a touch of heat.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Add the roasted tomatoes as well, gently stirring to combine and reheat everything together for a couple of minutes. Serve the creamy pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes hot, garnished if desired with extra parmesan or fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- You can use sun-dried tomato pesto or regular pesto based on preference.
- Adjust red chili pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance or omit entirely for a mild flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is not overcooked to keep it tender and juicy.
- Serve with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to complement the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Searing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
