– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Preparing Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is straightforward and ensures delicious results. Follow these steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast Tomatoes: On a baking sheet, toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until tomatoes burst and are slightly caramelized.
3. Prepare Chicken: While the tomatoes are roasting, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
4. Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
5. Make Pesto: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes to create a creamy sauce.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Place the seared chicken breasts back in the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat evenly.
7. Combine with Tomatoes: Add the roasted cherry tomatoes to the skillet, gently stirring them into the sauce. Simmer for another minute to warm through.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional basil or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
By following these simple steps, you will create an enticing dish that delights the palate!