Description
This creamy pesto chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful sauce made with pesto, roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, shallots, spinach, and a rich cream base. The dish is quick to prepare, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, and pairs beautifully with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 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
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 evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse the meat with balanced flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the extra virgin 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, about 4-6 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, halved cherry tomatoes, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté until the tomatoes soften and the shallots become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the chopped spinach, pesto, heavy cream, and chicken stock. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Finish Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Continue to simmer until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency. Serve hot over cooked rice or pasta for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade pesto depending on your preference.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on how much heat you desire.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Chicken pieces should be sliced thinly to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
