Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most mouthwatering, creamy, and incredibly easy chicken dish that will make your taste buds dance! This Pesto Chicken Basil Tomato Cream recipe is not just another boring chicken dinner – it's a gourmet experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Imagine tender chicken breasts smothered in rich pesto, surrounded by burst roasted cherry tomatoes, and bathed in a luxurious cream sauce that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and better browning. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Spread the pesto sauce evenly over each chicken breast, covering the top and sides completely to infuse maximum flavor.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around and between the chicken pieces.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, pour the heavy cream over the chicken and around the tomatoes, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish.
- Serve hot, spooning the extra sauce and roasted tomatoes over the chicken. Pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden exterior and help the seasonings stick better.
- Use high-quality pesto for the most intense flavor – homemade or premium store-bought both work wonderfully.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) – no dry chicken here!
- Let the dish rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the sauce to thicken naturally.
- For extra flavor, use fresh basil leaves right before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Choose cherry tomatoes that are ripe and vibrant for the best roasted flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 483kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 224mg
