Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy pesto sauce with garlic, shallots, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect served over rice or pasta, it’s a quick and delicious dinner option that combines vibrant Italian flavors with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5 or 6 thinly sliced chicken breasts, butterflied, sliced in half, or into tenders
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (to season)
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped, stems removed
- 1/4 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chicken stock, lightly salted
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into desired shapes such as tenders or halves. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on both sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, halved cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté until the shallots become translucent and the tomatoes soften slightly. Then add the chopped spinach, stirring until wilted.
- Add Cream and Pesto: Stir in the pesto, heavy cream, and lightly salted chicken stock into the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so it combines into a rich, creamy sauce.
- Finish Dish: Return the browned chicken pieces back into the pan with the sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce until it is fully cooked through and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Serve warm over cooked rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use store-bought pesto for convenience or homemade pesto for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
