Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes and Spinach is a flavorful Italian-inspired main course featuring tender seared chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, creamy basil pesto sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes add sweetness and depth, while fresh spinach adds a nutritious green touch. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes and fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Roast Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast them for 15–20 minutes until they soften and develop slight blistering, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Sear Chicken: While the tomatoes roast, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for 4–5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the basil pesto. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Add Greens and Tomatoes: Stir the fresh spinach and the roasted tomatoes into the sauce, cooking just until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes or fresh basil on top for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve warm over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, serve over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Store-bought pesto is convenient and flavorful, but homemade pesto will enhance freshness and depth.
- You can adjust the cream quantity for a lighter or thicker sauce according to preference.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- The dish is naturally gluten-free; just verify pesto ingredients if purchasing store-bought.
