Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comfort and color, Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is about to become your new go-to. This recipe delivers tender, golden chicken bathed in a luscious basil pesto cream, all dotted with juicy, oven-blistered tomatoes. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough that you’ll want to share it with your favorite people.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into making Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes shine. Each ingredient is truly essential, layering up flavors and textures so the dish feels decadent yet so simple to master at home.

• Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy results—thighs work in a pinch too.
• Garlic Powder & Paprika: This spice duo brings warmth and depth to every bite, giving the chicken a flavorful crust.
• Grape Tomatoes: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and makes them bursting with color and freshness.
• Onion: Chopped onion, sautéed just right, adds an earthy sweetness that anchors the sauce.
• Olive Oil: You’ll need this for both roasting and sautéing—the flavor boost is worth it.
• Fresh Garlic: A trio of cloves brings bold aroma and zing, mingling beautifully with the pesto.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To highlight and balance every savory note in the dish.
• Basil Pesto: Use your favorite jarred pesto, or homemade if you have it—the herby, garlicky flavor is at the heart of this dish.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Ensures your sauce is extra silky and rich, making it perfectly clingy for chicken.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and pulls the whole sauce together.
• Red Chili Pepper Flakes (optional): For just the right whisper of heat—add more or less to suit your mood!

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes your own! This recipe is endlessly adaptable—great for switching things up to fit dietary needs or simply what’s in your pantry.

• Swap in Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a juicier or more forgiving cut, boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully here.
• Add Spinach or Kale: Stir in a handful of greens toward the end for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use vegan parmesan.
• Nut-Free Pesto: Use sunflower seed pesto or simply look for nut-free prepared pesto to make this allergy-friendly.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Toss your grape tomatoes generously with olive oil, salt, and pepper right on a rimmed baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. Let them roast for about 20 minutes—this intensifies their sweetness and gives you those irresistible little pops of flavor.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While tomatoes are roasting, season the chicken breasts all over with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet set over medium heat, add two tablespoons olive oil. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through—about 5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate and keep them cozy while you start the sauce.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet (no need to clean it—hello, flavor!), sauté the chopped onion until golden and fragrant, adding a little more oil if the pan seems dry. Toss in minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, letting the aroma bloom.

Step 4: Make the Pesto Cream Sauce

Next, swirl in your basil pesto, stirring to coat the onion and garlic, and then pour in the heavy whipping cream and parmesan. Gently stir so the sauce melds together, bubbling softly into silkiness. This is where your kitchen starts to smell beyond amazing.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slide the cooked chicken and roasted tomatoes back into the skillet, nestling them into that gorgeous sauce. Warm everything together for a few minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken and letting all those flavors mingle. Serve immediately while everything’s hot and melty—don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up every last bit!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

Garnishes

Scatter fresh basil leaves or more grated parmesan over the top to echo those herby, cheesy flavors. A tiny drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes make the colors even more vivid and highlight the rustic Italian vibes.

Side Dishes

This dish is practically begging to be served with a mountain of buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a tangle of linguine to catch every drop of sauce. For something lighter, pair it with a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a bed of pasta, spooning the sauce and tomatoes on top for a bistro-style look. Or pile it into shallow bowls with extra tomatoes for a cozy family-style dinner—don’t forget big chunks of crusty bread on the side for dunking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes will keep well for 2–3 days, making it an ideal lunch option for the work week.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces sometimes change texture after freezing, you can still freeze portions of this dish for up to a month. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a well-sealed container. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

For best results, warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened. The microwave works too—cover and use short intervals to avoid overheating and separating the sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight win or a delicious way to impress at your next gathering, give Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes a try. It’s pure cozy comfort in every forkful, and I just know it’ll steal a spot in your regular recipe rotation!

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