Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes and Spinach is a quick and flavorful stovetop dish featuring tender chicken breast simmered in a rich pesto cream sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes and vibrant spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines the brightness of roasted tomatoes with the aromatic flavors of pesto and garlic, creating a delicious and creamy sauce that pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 5 or 6 thinly sliced chicken breasts, butterflied, sliced in half, or into tenders
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Sauce and Vegetables
- 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 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—this should take about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, halved cherry tomatoes, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture until the tomatoes begin to soften and the shallots turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the chopped spinach, pesto, heavy cream, and chicken stock. Stir well to combine all ingredients and allow the sauce to simmer gently so the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly, approximately 5 minutes.
- Finish Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce is creamy and well blended. Serve hot over cooked rice or pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Butterflying or thinly slicing the chicken helps it cook evenly and quickly.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Homemade pesto enhances the freshness, but store-bought works perfectly to save time.
- Serve with your favorite pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
