Description
Creamy pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables. Parmesan-infused sauce and juicy roasted tomatoes offer rich flavors that will satisfy fresh herb lovers eagerly craving a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 pint (500 ml) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
- ¼ cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps (30 g) unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Tomato Preparation: Arrange cherry tomatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution across a single layer.
- Roasting Process: Transfer sheet to a preheated 400F (200C) oven, roast tomatoes until softened and caramelized, approximately 15-20 minutes. Set aside for later use.
- Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring complete coverage.
- Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook seasoned chicken breasts until golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165F, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
- Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in pesto and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Flavor Infusion: Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the pesto sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavor absorption.
- Final Assembly: Artfully place roasted tomatoes atop the chicken, creating a vibrant presentation. Serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables, and optionally garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe cherry tomatoes with vibrant color and firm texture for maximum roasting flavor and sweetness.
- Control Chicken Moisture: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Watch Sauce Consistency: Monitor cream sauce carefully, stirring continuously to prevent burning and achieve smooth, silky texture without curdling.
- Temperature Management: Use instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165F internal temperature for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg