Perfect Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe for Dinner

Crafting a delightful pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes brings incredible flavor to your dinner table.

Vibrant herbs dance across tender meat, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Juicy tomatoes caramelize beautifully, releasing sweet and tangy notes that complement the rich basil sauce.

Crisp chicken breasts absorb every aromatic hint of garlic and herb goodness.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Each bite promises a burst of sunshine-inspired comfort that feels both elegant and approachable.

Dive into this simple yet impressive dish that makes weeknight cooking feel like a gourmet adventure.

Why Creamy Pesto Chicken With Roasted Tomatoes Is A Weeknight Hero

• Conquer One-Pan Cooking: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that brings together chicken, pesto, and roasted tomatoes on a single baking sheet.
• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Elevate your meal routine with restaurant-quality flavors that require minimal preparation and deliver maximum taste satisfaction.
• Celebrate Fresh Ingredients: Highlight seasonal cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil pesto, creating a vibrant dish that bursts with garden-fresh goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping protein types, experimenting with different pestos, or adding complementary herbs to suit personal taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Pesto Chicken With Roasted Tomatoes

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the primary base for this flavorful dish.

• Pesto Sauce: A rich and herbaceous sauce that provides a robust flavor and moisture to the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste and bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes that roast to a caramelized state, adding brightness and depth to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses a pungent and savory note to the chicken and tomatoes.
• Olive Oil: Helps to create a golden surface and adds a smooth, rich undertone to the roasted ingredients.

• Fresh Basil Leaves, Parmesan Cheese: Finishing touches that provide a fresh herbal aroma and a salty, nutty complexity to the final presentation.

How To Make Creamy Pesto Chicken With Roasted Tomatoes Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for hassle-free cooking and cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare The Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and gently dab them dry with paper towels, creating the perfect surface for seasoning and achieving a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Step 3: Coat With Pesto Magic

Slather the chicken breasts generously with pesto sauce, making sure every inch is covered in herby, garlicky goodness.

Step 4: Arrange Flavor Companions

• Cherry tomatoes
• Minced garlic

Spread them across the baking sheet for maximum roasting potential.

Step 5: Season And Drizzle

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

This will create a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Roast To Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken hits 165°F internally and the tomatoes look delightfully blistered and caramelized.

Step 7: Rest And Settle

Let the chicken take a quick 5-minute break after roasting. This helps lock in those delicious juices and ensures each bite is moist and tender.

Step 8: Add The Final Touches

• Fresh basil leaves
• Parmesan cheese

These garnishes will elevate your dish from good to absolutely incredible.

Step 9: Serve With Style

Slice the chicken and arrange it alongside those gloriously roasted tomatoes. Get ready for a meal that looks as amazing as it tastes!

Pro Tips For The Creamiest Pesto Chicken Ever

• Seal in Moisture: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before applying pesto to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Use high-quality, fresh basil pesto for a more robust and aromatic taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Perfect Roasting Technique: Spread chicken and tomatoes in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even caramelization and crisp edges.
• Precision Cooking: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, guaranteeing juicy meat without overcooking or drying out.
• Quick Meal Prep: Make extra pesto chicken and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, creating an easy weeknight protein option for salads or quick meals.

Delicious Ways To Switch Up Pesto Chicken

• Mediterranean Pesto Chicken: Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the baking sheet for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Herb Chicken: Mix red pepper flakes and chopped rosemary into the pesto for a zesty and aromatic variation.
• Sundried Tomato Pesto Chicken: Replace fresh cherry tomatoes with sundried tomatoes and incorporate extra basil leaves for intense Mediterranean flavors.
• Lemon Pesto Chicken: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before roasting and add lemon zest to create a bright, citrusy version of the original recipe.

Tasty Pairings For Creamy Pesto Chicken

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the bright, herbal pesto flavors and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve Fresh Caprese Salad: Sliced fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves mirror the recipe's ingredients and create a harmonious Mediterranean-style side dish.
• Add Garlic Herb Focaccia: Warm, crusty bread soaks up the delicious pesto and roasted tomato juices, providing a perfect textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Select Zesty Arugula Salad: Light, peppery greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette balance the richness of the pesto and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the roasted dish.

How To Store Leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken With Tomatoes

• Store leftover pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions of pesto chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. For frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Keep roasted tomatoes separate from chicken when storing to prevent sogginess and maintain the crisp texture of both components.

FAQs For Creamy Pesto Chicken With Roasted Tomatoes

• What is pesto made of?

Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce typically made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil blended together into a smooth, aromatic mixture.

• Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly fine and saves time while still delivering excellent flavor. Choose a high-quality brand for the best results.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook evenly and absorb the pesto sauce well. Choose similar-sized chicken breasts for consistent cooking.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy without overcooking.

Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table. Fragrant basil, tender chicken, and juicy roasted tomatoes create a quick, elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce

Vegetables:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for even cooking and easy cleanup.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence and better browning.
3. Generously coat chicken breasts with pesto sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage on all sides.
4. Arrange cherry tomatoes and minced garlic around the pesto-coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Drizzle olive oil over tomatoes and chicken, then sprinkle salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and tomatoes are slightly blistered.
7. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain moisture and distribute juices.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle parmesan cheese over the chicken and roasted tomatoes before serving.
9. Slice chicken and plate with the caramelized roasted tomatoes for a vibrant and aromatic presentation.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are uniform in thickness by gently pounding them to promote even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• For a gluten-free option, verify that store-bought pesto is free from wheat-based ingredients or make homemade pesto using certified gluten-free components.
• Swap chicken breasts with plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking.
• Enhance meal prep by marinating chicken in pesto overnight, allowing deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg