If you’re looking for a dish that brings a delightful medley of flavors to your table, look no further than the *Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach*. This recipe seamlessly combines succulent chicken with the rich taste of pesto and the vibrant burst of roasted tomatoes, all balanced with the freshness of spinach. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures that will have your guests asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The creamy pesto provides a rich and aromatic base that elevates the dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find ingredients make this a go-to weeknight dinner option.
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for last-minute meals.
- Versatile Serving: Pair it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this *Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach* is how each ingredient plays its part in creating an unforgettable dish. Let’s dive into the must-have components that bring this meal to life.
- Chicken Breasts: The main protein, offering a tender and juicy texture.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle flavor and helps to brown the chicken perfectly.
- Pesto: Provides a rich, herby base that makes the sauce stand out.
- Heavy Cream: Ensures the sauce is decadently smooth.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with a sweet and tangy flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Spinach: Adds freshness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Garlic and Shallots: These aromatics deepen the flavor profile of the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but adds a slight, delightful kick for spice lovers.
Variations
Whether you want to tweak it for dietary preferences or just to keep things interesting in the kitchen, here are a few ways to make this dish your own.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- Keto-Friendly: Use spiralized zucchini instead of pasta for a low-carb option.
- Nut-Free Pesto: Use sunflower seeds in place of pine nuts for a pesto that’s kinder to nut allergies.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by butterflying and slicing the chicken breasts into thin pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. This foundation will support the creamy sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the seasoned chicken until each piece is lightly browned on both sides. This seals in the juices and creates a delightful crust. Once cooked, set them aside, ready to join the sauce later.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped shallots, letting them sauté until fragrant. Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until the tomatoes soften. Add the spinach, pesto, heavy cream, and chicken stock, and let the mixture simmer. The sauce should be well-blended and aromatic.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it in the sauce. Allow it to simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together, creating a luscious and creamy dish that beckons you to dive in.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach
- Perfect Temperature: Keep the heat at medium to prevent the cream from scorching and ensure an even simmer.
- Tomato Prep: For a richer sauce, roast or blister the tomatoes beforehand for extra sweetness.
- Advance Flavor: Marinate the chicken in the spices for a few hours if you have time for deeper flavor penetration.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust cream and stock proportions based on how thick or thin you prefer your sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach
Garnishes
A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of toasted pine nuts can enhance the dish’s flavor profile and provide a delightful crunch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil also imparts a luxurious finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light arugula salad or some garlic bread. You can also serve it over a bed of pasta, rice, or even quinoa to soak up every drop of that creamy, pesto-rich sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken over a swirl of the sauce, garnished with basil leaves. Arrange roasted tomatoes around the plate, offering pops of color that make the dish visually enticing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To retain freshness, place a piece of wax paper over the chicken before sealing the lid.
Freezing
You can freeze the dish as well; however, do note that cream sauces can sometimes change texture when frozen. If you plan to freeze, consider reducing the cream for a smoother result upon thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat the dish on the stove over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or chicken stock to revive its creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use something other than spinach?
Absolutely! Kale or Swiss chard can be excellent substitutes, offering different but equally tasty profiles.
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How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free pesto for a lactose-free version.
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Is there a substitute for cherry tomatoes?
Yes, diced Roma tomatoes work well too. Just be sure to cook them until they’re softened and sweet.
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What other proteins can work with this recipe?
Try shrimp or turkey cutlets, as they both lend themselves nicely to the creamy pesto sauce.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this *Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach* a try! It’s a comforting dish that’s just as delightful to prepare as it is to eat. Share it with loved ones and create wonderful mealtime memories together. Enjoy!
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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, pesto-infused cream sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it offers a delightful balance of savory, fresh, and creamy textures with minimal prep and cook time.
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, halved
- 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 into thinner cutlets or tenders. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking until tomatoes are softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in chopped spinach, cooking until wilted. Pour in pesto, heavy cream, and chicken stock, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer until chicken is heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Serve warm, optionally over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh basil pesto with store-bought for convenience.
- Cooking time may vary depending on chicken thickness; ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes add depth, but fresh ones work perfectly; for extra flavor, roast the tomatoes beforehand.
- This dish is quick enough for weeknights and customizable with other greens or herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- 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
