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Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes for a Cozy Dinner

This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, roasted tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Short Pasta (such as farfalle, penne, or fusilli) Use for better sauce coating.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Essential for roasting and cooking.
  • 1 pt Cherry Tomatoes Can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes.
For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Slice thinly for even cooking.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh, minced for flavor depth.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to preference.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground for seasoning.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Optional, for color and mild spice.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto Adjust quantity based on taste.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half.
For the Toppings
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Optional, for a crunchy topping.

Equipment

  • oven
  • skillet
  • Pot
  • baking sheet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved cherry tomatoes in a bowl with olive oil and minced garlic. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Slice into strips.
  3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add cooked pasta. Stir in basil pesto and heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  5. Plate the pasta, adding sliced chicken and roasted tomatoes. Top with optional pine nuts. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Monitor chicken closely while cooking. Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. Store components separately if making ahead.

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