If you’re ready to indulge in a feast of flavors, look no further than this delightful Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach. This dish is a celebration of vibrant colors and rich textures, all wrapped up in one deliciously creamy package that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Heavenly Creaminess: The blend of pesto and cream creates a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Colorful Presentation: Gorgeous roasted tomatoes and fresh spinach bring vibrant colors to your dinner table.
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach are straightforward and pack a punch when it comes to flavor. Each one contributes something special—whether it’s flavor, texture, or color—to bring this dish to life.
- Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for frying the chicken and infuses the dish with a Mediterranean flair.
- Chicken Breasts: Mild and tender, they’re perfect for absorbing the creamy, herby sauce.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their juicy, sweet-tart flavor is intensified when roasted.
- Spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of green.
- Pesto: The star of the show, its basil-infused richness elevates the dish to restaurant quality.
- Heavy Cream: Rounds out the pesto into a luscious sauce.
- Chicken Stock: Adds depth and keeps the sauce from being overly heavy.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach your own. Here are some ideas to help you adapt it to your taste or dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or paneer for a wholesome meat-free version.
- Keto-Friendly: Reduce tomatoes and increase spinach as well as cream for a lower-carb version.
- Extra Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for an additional burst of fresh flavor.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the natural flavors. This step sets the foundation for a deliciously seasoned dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large pan, heat olive oil and fry the seasoned chicken pieces until they are lightly browned. This not only cooks the chicken to perfection but adds a lovely caramelized layer to each piece. Set aside and get ready for some sauce magic!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same pan, add garlic and shallots, allowing their aromas to blossom. Toss in cherry tomatoes and optional red pepper flakes for a kick. As the tomatoes roast, add spinach, pesto, cream, and chicken stock. Let it all simmer into a creamy, luscious concoction.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the pan, ensuring it is well-coated with the creamy sauce. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and flavors meld together. Serve this masterpiece over warm, fluffy rice or your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach
- Perfect Searing: Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a nice golden sear, sealing in the juices.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the sauce to simmer slowly for a few minutes; this concentrates flavors and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Custom Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking for a mild to bold spicy undertone that suits your preference.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach
Garnishes
Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of finely chopped basil or parsley for an added layer of flavor and color. This not only enhances the taste but makes it visually stunning too.
Side Dishes
Pair your Creamy Pesto Chicken with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. For a heartier option, serve with crusty bread to mop up the irresistibly creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the chicken over a bed of wild rice or shaped pasta, and arrange the tomatoes and spinach around the chicken in a circular pattern. Top with extra sauce for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows the flavors to meld even further, making for a tasty repeat meal.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach for up to two months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to refresh the sauce if needed. Alternatively, use the microwave, heating in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
-
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully for this recipe, providing convenience without sacrificing flavor. Opt for a high-quality brand for the best results.
-
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream, though it will slightly alter the taste and texture.
-
Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe itself is gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels on your pesto and chicken stock. Serve with gluten-free pasta or rice to keep the entire meal free from gluten.
-
How can I increase the spice level?
To amp up the heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Adjust to your personal taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach is bound to impress. It’s a dish that’s brimming with flavor, yet simple enough for anyone to master. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with it as much as I have!
Print
Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, herby sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delightful blend of creaminess, acidity, and savory flavors, all made in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 5 or 6 thinly sliced chicken breasts, butterflied, sliced in half, or into tenders
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, for seasoning
Sauce:
- 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
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half or into tenders and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the spices.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, chopped shallots, and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chopped cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften, about 2-3 minutes. Incorporate the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in pesto, heavy cream, and chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and allowing it to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Finish Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer until the chicken is heated through and flavors meld, about 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use any type of chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts based on preference.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes for more or less spice.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt added at the end.
- This dish pairs well with cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a firm tofu.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
