![- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup homemade or store-bought pesto - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish In Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes, the ingredients are key to flavor. The chicken breasts serve as a tender base. Pesto adds a rich, herby taste. Heavy cream brings a smooth texture to the dish. The cherry tomatoes, when roasted, become sweet and juicy. They balance the creamy sauce with their brightness. Olive oil and garlic powder help enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes. Using salt and pepper to season the chicken brings out its taste. The grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding depth. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and freshness. This easy recipe is a delight for any meal. You can find the full recipe in the next section. Enjoy! 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for roasting tomatoes well. 2. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all tomatoes are coated. 3. Spread the seasoned tomatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they are soft and a bit caramelized. 1. While the tomatoes roast, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the meat. 2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil. 3. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked all the way at this point. 1. Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of pesto over the chicken. Stir gently to mix it well. 2. Sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. 3. Once cooked, remove from heat. Serve the chicken with the creamy sauce drizzled on top and add the roasted tomatoes around it. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To ensure perfect chicken doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This keeps it juicy and safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, with no pink. Adjusting the pesto flavor intensity is easy. Start with a small amount, then taste. If you want it stronger, add more. The balance is key. The cream will mellow the pesto, so keep that in mind. You want a nice, rich flavor without it being too overpowering. For elegant plating, use a large white plate. Place the chicken in the center. Drizzle extra creamy pesto sauce over the top. Arrange the roasted tomatoes around the chicken. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright touch. Suggested side dishes include crusty bread or pasta. Both options pair well with the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with a simple green salad. This adds freshness and color to your meal. {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, there are easy swaps you can make. - Alternatives for heavy cream: You can use half-and-half for a lighter option. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both will keep the dish creamy and flavorful. - Using different types of chicken: You can use thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat, giving you a richer taste. Bone-in chicken also works well. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they cook through. Adding new flavors can make this dish your own. - Adding extra vegetables or spices: Toss in spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. You can also add red pepper flakes for heat or lemon zest for brightness. These additions will complement the pesto nicely. - Using different pesto flavors: Try sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto for a unique twist. Each type will bring its own taste and pair well with the creamy sauce. Experiment and find your favorite! For the full recipe, check out Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes. Enjoy your cooking adventure! To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. To keep chicken fresh, separate it from sauces and veggies. This helps prevent sogginess. You can reheat the dish in several ways. The best method is using a skillet. Heat it over low heat with a splash of water. This keeps the chicken moist. You can also use the microwave. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. For more details on how to make this dish, check out the Full Recipe. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook the chicken and let it cool. Store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. This way, the flavors stay fresh. How can I make it dairy-free? You can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream. Use dairy-free cheese for a similar taste. This keeps the creaminess while making it dairy-free. What sides go well with Creamy Pesto Chicken? You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - Steamed vegetables - Pasta tossed in olive oil - A fresh green salad These sides will balance the creamy sauce and make a complete meal. How long does this dish keep in the fridge? Creamy Pesto Chicken lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it completely before putting it away. What can I use instead of pesto? If you don’t have pesto, try using sun-dried tomato paste or a fresh herb mix. You can also blend basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil to make a quick sauce. Can I use another kind of cheese? Yes, you can use different cheeses. Mozzarella or goat cheese works well. You can even try feta for a tangy kick. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your taste. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes. This blog post covers the tasty recipe for Creamy Pesto Chicken. You learned about the main ingredients, like chicken, pesto, and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step instructions for roasting, searing, and serving. You also found helpful tips for perfecting the dish and ideas for variations. Keeping leftovers fresh is easy with the right storage. Lastly, I answered common questions about the recipe. Overall, this dish is simple to make and full of flavor. Enjoy trying it out!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/63eba379-5d7f-4e65-a995-6a8108ed5b97.webp)
Ingredients
Method
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the tomatoes evenly.
Spread the seasoned tomatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are caramelized and tender.
While the tomatoes are roasting, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown (the chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage).
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream followed by the pesto. Gently stir to combine and coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove from heat. Serve the chicken on plates topped with the creamy pesto sauce and roasted tomatoes.
Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings
- Presentation Tips: Plate the chicken and drizzle extra creamy pesto sauce over the top. Scatter roasted tomatoes around the chicken and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with a side of crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.