Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes and Spinach is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy pesto sauce with juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines vibrant Italian flavors with a luscious texture for a satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 5 or 6 thinly sliced chicken breasts, butterflied, sliced in half, or into tenders
Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped, stems removed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 1/4 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chicken stock, lightly salted
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin pieces and season them evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on the outside and nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, halved cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and the shallots turn translucent. Then add the chopped spinach, pesto, heavy cream, and chicken stock to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld together and the spinach wilts.
- Finish Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and continue to simmer until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-4 more minutes. Serve the creamy pesto chicken hot over cooked rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Butterflying or thinly slicing the chicken breasts helps them cook quickly and evenly.
- Use homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought pesto for best flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
