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If you are searching for a dinner that feels both indulgent and fresh, the Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts coated in a luscious, creamy pesto sauce, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes and the vibrant, earthy tones of fresh spinach. What I love most is how each bite bursts with layers of flavor, blending the richness of cream with the aromatic punch of basil pesto, creating a comforting yet sophisticated meal that’s surprisingly quick to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully, each playing a key role in the dish’s harmonious flavor and delightful texture. From the bright acidity of fresh tomatoes to the creamy smoothness of heavy cream and the bold fragrance of pesto, every component elevates this recipe into a dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin): Adds a fruity richness that sautés the chicken and veggies to perfection.
- 5 or 6 thinly sliced chicken breasts: Butterflied or sliced for quick cooking and even coating of sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Brings aromatic depth and a subtle kick that wakes up every bite.
- 1 shallot (finely chopped): Adds a mild sweetness, enhancing the sauce’s complexity.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (chopped in half): Roasted to caramelized perfection, they add a juicy pop of flavor.
- 3 cups spinach (roughly chopped, stems removed): Offers a fresh, leafy contrast and a boost of green goodness.
- 1/4 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought): The heart of the dish, delivering that classic herbaceous punch.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, dreamy texture that makes the sauce truly indulgent.
- 1/3 cup chicken stock (lightly salted): Lightens the sauce while adding savory depth.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning the chicken precisely.
- Pepper: Adds just enough spice to complement, not overpower.
- Garlic powder: Enhances garlic flavor subtly without overpowering fresh garlic.
- Onion powder: Gives a background savory note supporting the shallots.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle heat to elevate the dish further.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts thinly or butterflying them to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. This step is crucial because perfectly sliced chicken will soak up the delicious creamy pesto sauce better, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients
While the chicken rests, get your garlic minced, shallots finely chopped, cherry tomatoes halved, and spinach roughly chopped, with stems removed. Having these ready will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Give your chicken slices a good seasoning on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning forms the flavor foundation, complementing the rich pesto sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they start to brown but aren’t fully cooked through. Browning adds a lovely texture and flavor depth, so don’t skip this step!
Step 5: Remove Chicken and Sauté Aromatics
Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside briefly. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the garlic, shallot, halved cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook over medium-high heat until the tomatoes begin to caramelize and release their juices, about 5 minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness and adds a rich, roasted flavor.
Step 6: Add Spinach, Pesto, and Cream
Stir in the spinach, pesto, heavy cream, and lightly salted chicken stock. Give everything a good stir to combine. The sauce will start to thicken as it simmers, marrying the bright pesto with the creamy base. At this point, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed – this is your moment to make it perfect for your palate.
Step 7: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Continue simmering for 2 to 3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it cooks. This gentle basting ensures the chicken finishes cooking evenly and absorbs all those fragrant flavors.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serve
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce has slightly thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Your Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe is now ready to be plated and enjoyed!
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top of the chicken add a lovely burst of color and extra flavor. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving will enhance the dish’s luxurious texture.
Side Dishes
This creamy pesto chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, silky pasta, or even a crusty piece of artisan bread to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also complement its richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Alternatively, try stacking the chicken slices and spooning the sauce over in a layered presentation for a stunning dinner table centerpiece that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe keeps well for up to three days, making it a convenient and tasty meal option the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best texture and flavor, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from any sides. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags and use within two months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream can help refresh the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pesto or store-bought?
Both work wonderfully! Fresh pesto offers a vibrant, homemade flavor, but a good-quality store-bought pesto will still make this dish shine and save prep time.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a dairy-free pesto to keep all the flavors intact.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is best for texture, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid adding extra moisture to the sauce.
What can I serve instead of chicken?
This creamy pesto base works beautifully with other proteins like turkey breast, pork tenderloin slices, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The amount of heat from 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes is mild and adds a subtle kick. You can adjust or omit based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting about the blend of creamy rich sauce, fresh green spinach, and roasted tangy tomatoes coming together in this Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s surprisingly effortless yet delivers big on taste and satisfaction. I encourage you to give it a try because it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with minimal fuss. Once you do, I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection just like it is in mine!
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Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed to perfection, then simmered in a luscious pesto-infused creamy sauce with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients with rich flavors to create a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 5 or 6 thinly sliced chicken breasts (butterflied, sliced in half, or into tenders)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables & Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin), divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Begin by preparing the chicken into thinly sliced pieces. Set aside until ready to use.
- Prep the vegetables: Prepare your garlic, shallot, tomatoes, and spinach. Set aside until ready to use.
- Season the chicken: Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat the pan: To a large frying pan, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and set to medium/high heat.
- Sear the chicken: Fry the chicken breasts on each side for 1-2 minutes, just until they begin to brown.
- Remove chicken: Remove from the pan and set aside for a few minutes. Tip: don’t worry about fully cooking the chicken during this step.
- Sauté aromatics and tomatoes: Add your second tbsp of olive oil to the same pan, then add garlic, shallot, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Cook on medium/high heat until the tomatoes begin to brown and release some of their juices, about 5 minutes.
- Add spinach and sauce ingredients: Add the spinach, pesto, heavy cream, and chicken stock to the pan and stir to combine. Tip: taste here to see if the sauce needs any additional seasoning.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes before adding the chicken back to finish cooking.
- Finish cooking the chicken: Return the chicken to the pan and continue to simmer.
- Baste the chicken: Spoon some of the sauce onto the chicken as it simmers, basting the chicken to allow it to finish cooking evenly.
- Complete cooking and thicken sauce: Once the chicken is fully cooked (which should take 2-3 minutes) and your sauce has slightly thickened, remove from heat.
- Serve: Add your chicken, along with a generous spoon of sauce, onto rice or pasta of choice.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for quicker cooking and even browning.
- Do not worry about fully cooking the chicken during the initial frying; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning of the sauce after adding spinach and cream to taste.
- If preferred, use homemade pesto for a fresher flavor.
- Pair this dish with cooked rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, noting the change in richness.
