Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe

If there’s one dinner that guarantees happy sighs at my table, it’s Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach. This vibrant skillet dish unites juicy chicken, garlicky pesto cream sauce, and bursts of sweet roasted tomatoes for a fresh and utterly comforting meal—ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how such a simple list of ingredients transforms into a restaurant-worthy meal! Each component in Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach offers either backbone flavor, creamy richness, or a pop of freshness for that perfect balance.

• Olive oil (extra virgin): For sautéing and bringing a subtle fruitiness to your sauce base.
• Chicken breasts (thinly sliced): Choose butterflied or tenderloins—they cook quickly and stay delightfully juicy.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Essential for that irresistible aroma and savory punch.
• Shallot (finely chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and depth that balances out the pesto’s herbal kick.
• Cherry tomatoes (halved): These jewels roast quickly, bursting with tangy-sweetness that brightens the creamy sauce.
• Fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Wilts into the sauce, adding color and a nourishing green touch.
• Pesto (¼ cup, homemade or store-bought): The star flavor—go classic basil or try an adventurous blend if you’d like!
• Heavy cream: Turns the sauce silky, rich, and utterly swoon-worthy with very little effort.
• Chicken stock (lightly salted): Adds savoriness and keeps the sauce from being too thick.
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder: A must for seasoning both chicken and sauce—taste and adjust to preference.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch for those who love a gentle warming kick.

Variations

This recipe is a total chameleon, happy to flex with whatever’s in your fridge or pantry! Don’t be afraid to swap based on what you love, dietary needs, or what’s hiding in your crisper drawer—you’ll still land on something delicious.

• Swap the protein: Try boneless thighs, shrimp, or even pan-fried tofu for a fun twist on classic Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach.
• Mix up the greens: No spinach? Baby kale or arugula wilt beautifully in the sauce, offering different nuances of flavor.
• Lighter cream alternative: Sub half-and-half or even a splash of coconut cream to lighten things up or for a dairy-free option.
• Try sundried tomatoes: Swap some or all of the fresh cherry tomatoes with sundried for a more intensely savory, tangy note.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Start by slicing your chicken breasts thinly—they’ll cook evenly and soak up that luxurious sauce. Mince the garlic, chop the shallot, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop the spinach. Having everything prepped means the dish comes together lightning-fast once you get started.

Step 2: Season and Sear

Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high, then quickly sear the chicken—just 1-2 minutes per side, enough for a golden crust. Don’t worry about cooking it through; you’ll finish it later.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Remove the chicken and add your second tablespoon of olive oil, followed by the garlic, shallot, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to caramelize and collapse—about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Make That Dreamy Sauce

Add the spinach to the pan and let it wilt for a moment. Stir in the pesto, heavy cream, and chicken stock, letting everything swirl into a velvety, fragrant sauce. Take a taste now—adjust with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed!

Step 5: Simmer Chicken to Finish

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy pesto sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece and let everything simmer for 2-3 more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. That’s it—dinner, done!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach

Garnishes

A final flourish elevates every plate—think a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of extra pesto rippled over the top. If you have fresh basil leaves, tuck in a few for a restaurant-worthy finish!

Side Dishes

This dish is a saucy superstar—serve Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach over fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes to make the most of every drop. A crisp green salad or rustic bread for dipping also makes a wonderful pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, try plating the chicken and spooning sauce down the center, with a tumble of roasted tomatoes along the sides. For a family-style meal, bring the sizzling skillet right to the table and let everyone serve themselves. Or make individual bowls with pasta, spinach, and a generous scoop of that luscious sauce poured over top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach cool before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the fridge for up to three days—making it a perfect candidate for meal-prep lunches or an easy dinner repeat.

Freezing

While the sauce is at its creamiest when fresh, you can freeze this dish in a pinch. Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—the sauce may separate a tad but should come back together when gently reheated.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, especially for individual portions—just go low and slow.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as nourishing as it is gorgeous, give Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach a try. It’s weeknight-easy with a special-occasion vibe—and once you taste that first creamy bite, you’ll want it again and again. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this recipe, just like I have!

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