If you love bold Italian flavors and crave a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner, this Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes will steal your heart (and maybe your weeknight routine!). Think juicy chicken bathed in basil-kissed cream, blistered tomatoes bursting with sweetness, and a luscious sauce that clings to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Velvety Pesto Sauce: The creamy basil pesto envelopes the chicken and tomatoes in a luxurious sauce that’s unbelievably flavorful.
- Juicy Roasted Tomatoes: Oven-blistered grape tomatoes add sweetness and zing, brightening every forkful.
- One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal dishes and easy prep mean more time for you and less time cleaning up.
- Restaurant-Worthy, At Home: This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes looks and tastes like a fancy night out, but is totally doable on a weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish proves that simple ingredients can create restaurant-worthy flavor! Each item on the list plays its part—juicy chicken soaks up rich pesto cream, while tomatoes and aromatic veggies turn the sauce fresh and lively.
- Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the quickest cooking and most even results.
- Garlic powder & paprika: These classic spices give the chicken tasty depth and that gorgeous golden color.
- Grape tomatoes: Roasting makes these poppable gems sweet, juicy, and irresistible.
- Onion: Fresh chopped onion forms the savory base for your creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: Delivers richness and helps everything cook up beautifully.
- Fresh garlic: A few cloves, sautéed, infuse the whole dish with warmth and aroma.
- Salt & black pepper: Every layer gets just the right seasoning for perfection in every bite.
- Basil pesto: Store-bought or homemade—either way, this is the big flavor booster!
- Heavy whipping cream: Lush, dreamy, and absolutely essential for that creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds savory-salty goodness and a little extra silkiness to the sauce.
- Red chili pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle, warming kick.
Variations
One of the joys of Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is how adaptable it is! Swap, add, or tweak ingredients to match your pantry or your mood, and make this cozy favorite truly your own.
- Swap the protein: Substitute boneless chicken thighs or even shrimp for a fun twist with the same bold flavors.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan for a luscious, plant-based sauce.
- Add greens: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or arugula just before serving for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Spice it up: Dial up the heat with extra chili flakes or even a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
- Pasta night: Toss in cooked pasta at the end for an even heartier, saucier meal.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the grape tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them into a single layer and pop them in the oven. Roasting concentrates their sweet, tangy flavor—plus you’ll love how they blister and burst!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the tomatoes are working their magic, give your chicken breasts a generous seasoning. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper on all sides. This simple mix creates a flavorful crust that sings beneath the creamy pesto sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts until they’re golden on the edges and cooked through—about 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it cozy while you build the sauce.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet (keep those tasty browned bits!), toss in chopped onion and cook until translucent and starting to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and let it bloom for just about 30 seconds, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Spoon in your basil pesto and stir it into the onions and garlic. Next, pour in the heavy whipping cream and sprinkle in the grated parmesan. Gently simmer, stirring until the sauce is silky, creamy, and beautifully green.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Add the cooked chicken and those lovely roasted tomatoes back to the skillet. Let everything get warm and happy together for a couple of minutes. Plate your Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes and shower it with extra parmesan—or dive in just as it is!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
- Chicken Thickness Matters: For ultra-juicy results, pound your chicken breasts to even thickness before seasoning—this ensures they cook evenly and stay succulent.
- Brown Bits = Flavor Boost: Don’t wipe out the skillet after cooking chicken—the golden bits left behind deepen the flavor of your sauce.
- Slow Simmer for the Sauce: Once the cream and pesto hit the pan, keep the heat low and let it gently thicken—you want a velvet-smooth, not split, sauce.
- Roast Past the Blister: Let the tomatoes get deeper color and even a little char for maximum sweetness and contrast against the creamy pesto.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
Garnishes
Give your Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes a sprinkle of extra parmesan, plenty of torn fresh basil, or even a drizzle of good olive oil. A little zest of lemon brightens up the plate beautifully, and a crack of black pepper seals the deal!
Side Dishes
This saucy main begs for something to soak up that creamy pesto! Serve with garlic bread, warm crusty baguette, buttery mashed potatoes, or a twirl of your favorite pasta. Lightly dressed greens or roasted veggies make a perfect, fresh counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over the sauce for an elegant dinner party presentation, or serve it family-style in the skillet with big spoons for an inviting, homey feel. For a bistro vibe, pile everything over toasted ciabatta or spoon onto creamy polenta!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld even more with a little time, making leftovers something to look forward to!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, freeze the chicken, tomatoes, and sauce separately if possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce may need a quick whisk after thawing to bring it back together.
Reheating
Warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as creamy sauces can separate.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring even more juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may need a couple of extra minutes to cook through.
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What’s the best way to make this dish ahead of time?
You can roast the tomatoes and sear the chicken up to a day in advance. Store everything separately, then finish the sauce and assemble the dish just before serving for peak freshness.
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Can I make Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes without heavy cream?
Totally! You can swap in half-and-half for a lighter but still rich sauce, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. The result will be a bit lighter but still delicious.
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
The dish itself is naturally gluten-free—just double-check that your pesto and parmesan are certified gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free sides if needed.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall head-over-heels for this Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes, just like I have! It’s a dish that always impresses—comforting, lively, and full of those sun-soaked Italian flavors. Gather your favorite people, pass extra parmesan, and enjoy every last bite.
Print
Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is a delicious and comforting dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful basil pesto cream sauce and roasted grape tomatoes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Roasted Tomatoes:
- 10 oz grape tomatoes
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt + black pepper
For the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
- 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: Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and prepare a baking sheet with grape tomatoes tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Brown the chicken breasts in a skillet until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Caramelize onion in the skillet, add garlic, then stir in pesto, cream, and parmesan. Simmer.
- Combine and Serve: Add chicken and roasted tomatoes to the sauce, reheat, and serve hot.
