Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

Ingredients

For the Roasted Tomatoes:

• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. Roast the Tomatoes:

• Place the cherry or grape tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
• Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and starting to burst. Remove from the oven and set aside.

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• While the tomatoes are roasting, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

1. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is slightly thickened and well combined.

1. Combine and Serve:

• Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy pesto sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat.
• Add the roasted tomatoes to the skillet, distributing them around the chicken.
• Allow everything to heat through for 2-3 minutes.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
• Serve the creamy pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes hot, with your choice of side dishes like pasta, rice, or a green salad.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes! This dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.