Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes recipe offers a delightful blend of tender, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a rich and flavorful pesto cream sauce, perfectly complemented by sweet, blistered roasted grape tomatoes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and elegant dish ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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 and 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. Spread them out evenly and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and tender.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for approximately 5 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165ºF or 74ºC).
- Prepare the Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until caramelized and softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the basil pesto, heavy whipping cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. If using, add the red chili pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the pesto cream sauce. Add the roasted blistered tomatoes. Reheat everything together briefly to meld the flavors. Serve the creamy pesto chicken with the roasted tomatoes hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy whipping cream.
- Add fresh basil leaves on top for an extra burst of herb flavor and color.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red chili pepper flakes.
- Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
