– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh basil pesto
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Creating Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is simple if you follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. Roast the Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes, the remaining olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Pour the heavy cream and pesto over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot.
These steps will guide you seamlessly through the cooking process, setting you up for success with a mouthwatering dinner.