Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes for Cozy Nights

This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes combines tender chicken with luscious flavors for a quick and delightful dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Choose your favorite shape, like penne or fusilli.
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast Substitute with rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
  • 1 clove Garlic Can substitute with 1/8 tsp garlic powder.
  • to taste Salt Adjust based on your preference.
  • to taste Black Pepper Feel free to tweak or leave it out.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Cayenne can be used for extra spice.
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Basil Pesto Homemade or store-bought works beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half can lighten it up.
For the Garnish
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Sub with sun-dried tomatoes if desired.
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Optional; can swap with walnuts or pecans.

Equipment

  • oven
  • skillet
  • Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and toss them with olive oil and minced garlic. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes.
  2. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken cutlets for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  5. In the skillet, add the cooked pasta, basil pesto, and heavy cream. Stir until well combined and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add the sliced chicken and roasted tomatoes to the pasta. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if necessary.
  7. Serve in bowls, garnished with optional pine nuts, black pepper, or extra pesto.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!