Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
Creamy pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes is a rich, flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of chicken with the aromatic blend of basil pesto, all smothered in a creamy sauce. Roasted tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness, balancing the richness of the cream and the pesto. The chicken is perfectly seared, ensuring a crispy exterior while staying juicy inside. The pesto sauce, made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil, elevates the dish with its fresh and zesty notes. This dish is an ideal comfort food for any season, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are sure to impress any palate.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Calories:
Each serving (1 chicken breast with sauce and roasted tomatoes) contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredients.
How to Cook:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss cherry tomatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until softened.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and add the pesto and cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve with roasted tomatoes and garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
History:
The roots of pesto date back to ancient Rome, where a similar sauce known as moretum was made from cheese, garlic, herbs, and oil. However, modern basil pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, in the 19th century. The name « pesto » derives from the Genoese word « pestare, » meaning « to pound, » referring to the traditional method of grinding ingredients using a mortar and pestle.
Creamy pesto variations began to appear in the 20th century, as cooks added heavy cream or other dairy products to mellow the intensity of the basil and garlic. Combining creamy pesto with roasted vegetables, like tomatoes, became popular for adding sweetness and texture to the dish. The creamy pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes blends these rich culinary traditions, creating a satisfying dish that appeals to a wide audience. It’s a perfect example of how traditional ingredients and modern twists can result in a comforting, flavorful meal.
