Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, rich pesto sauce and roasted tomatoes. The creamy sauce, made with basil pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan, coats the chicken and creates a luscious, savory experience. This meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that will feel gourmet.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 medium chicken breasts

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 10 oz grape tomatoes

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Black pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup basil pesto

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the grape tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until blistered.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the pesto, then pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently and bring to a simmer.

4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken and roasted tomatoes to the skillet, stirring gently to coat. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 460 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 9g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 3g

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 30g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 90mg

• Sodium: 500mg

The Pesto Sauce: A Flavorful Base

The star of this dish is the creamy pesto sauce, which coats the chicken breasts in a rich, savory glaze. Traditional pesto is made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. However, this version combines store-bought basil pesto with heavy cream to create a smooth, velvety sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. The pesto’s herby, aromatic flavors, along with the richness of the cream and Parmesan, provide the depth and complexity that make the sauce so irresistible. The combination of cream and Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a luxurious texture, transforming the dish into something truly special.

Roasting the Tomatoes: Sweet and Smoky Goodness

Roasting tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy pesto sauce. Grape tomatoes are perfect for roasting because they hold their shape and develop a deep, rich flavor when exposed to heat. The tomatoes are simply tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then roasted at a high temperature to achieve that perfect blistered, caramelized exterior. As they roast, the tomatoes release their juices, which mingle with the sauce, creating an even more flavorful and aromatic base.

Adding these roasted tomatoes to the dish brings an extra layer of texture and flavor that balances the richness of the pesto sauce. The burst of sweetness from the tomatoes complements the savory pesto and cream, making each bite more dynamic and satisfying.

The Chicken: Perfectly Cooked and Tender

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts, it’s essential to season them well and cook them in a hot skillet. The chicken breasts are seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, which give them a flavorful crust when seared. The combination of garlic powder and paprika adds depth, while the salt and pepper bring out the natural flavors of the chicken. Cooking the chicken on medium heat ensures that it remains juicy and tender on the inside while developing a golden-brown crust on the outside.

Once the chicken is cooked through, it is set aside to rest before being added to the creamy pesto sauce. This resting step helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. The chicken is then gently coated with the sauce and combined with the roasted tomatoes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Building the Sauce: The Sautéed Onion and Garlic

Before adding the pesto, sautéing the onion and garlic in the same skillet creates a flavorful base for the sauce. The onions are cooked until caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness and creates a savory depth that enhances the overall dish. Garlic is then added and cooked briefly, releasing its aromatic oils into the skillet. This step infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory foundation before the pesto is added.

The pesto is then stirred into the sautéed onions and garlic, followed by the addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The cream provides a smooth, velvety texture, while the Parmesan adds a nutty, savory flavor that complements the pesto. Stirring the mixture together and letting it simmer allows the ingredients to blend seamlessly, creating a luxurious sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and tomatoes.

Bringing It All Together: Combining Chicken and Sauce

Once the pesto sauce is simmering and the flavors have melded together, the chicken and roasted tomatoes are added to the skillet. The chicken breasts are gently stirred into the sauce, allowing them to become coated in the creamy pesto. The roasted tomatoes are added as well, bursting with sweetness and acidity, which balances the richness of the sauce. Letting the dish simmer for a few more minutes ensures that the chicken absorbs some of the sauce, making every bite flavorful and tender.

This final step is important because it allows the flavors to fully combine, with the creaminess of the sauce, the savory pesto, and the sweetness of the tomatoes all blending into a cohesive, delicious dish.

Serving Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes can be served with a variety of sides, depending on your preferences. Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice are all great options for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving the dish with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad, which will help balance the richness of the meal.

To garnish, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra touch of flavor, while a few fresh basil leaves provide a burst of color and a fresh, herby note. For those who enjoy a little spice, a pinch of red chili pepper flakes can be added to the sauce for a subtle heat that complements the richness of the dish.

Nutritional Information and Considerations

Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is a rich and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Each serving contains approximately 460 calories, with 35 grams of protein and 30 grams of fat. The carbohydrates are relatively low, making this a good option for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. However, it’s important to note that the dish is rich in fat, primarily from the heavy cream, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

For a lighter version, you can experiment with using a lower-fat cream or reducing the amount of cheese used in the sauce. Additionally, serving the dish with a vegetable-based side can help increase its nutritional value without adding too many extra calories.

Conclusion

Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is a quick, flavorful, and indulgent dish that makes a perfect weeknight dinner. With its rich, creamy pesto sauce, tender chicken, and roasted tomatoes, this dish brings a luxurious yet easy-to-make meal to your table. It’s a satisfying combination of savory, creamy, and sweet flavors, with a depth of complexity that will impress your family and guests. Whether served over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy this delicious and comforting meal that feels gourmet, yet takes less than 30 minutes to prepare!