Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach is my go-to recipe for an easy yet delicious weeknight meal. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich creamy pesto sauce, complemented by the freshness of roasted tomatoes and spinach. The aroma that fills your kitchen as this dish cooks is simply irresistible. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience. Here are several reasons why you’ll adore it:

Quick to prepare: In just 45 minutes, you can have a wholesome dinner on the table.
Rich flavors: The creamy pesto sauce combined with roasted tomatoes creates a delicious flavor profile.
Versatile: It can be served on its own or paired with pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
Healthy option: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from spinach, it fits well into a healthy diet.
One-pan cooking: Minimal cleanup is required, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Kid-friendly: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a hit with children and adults alike.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or side dishes for variety.
Italian cuisine: Enjoy a taste of Italy right in your home (Cuisine: Italian).

Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner

Gather these items:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup creamy pesto sauce
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to coat and roast in the oven for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: After the tomatoes have roasted, return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the chicken and tomatoes, ensuring everything is well coated.
Step 6: Scatter the fresh spinach over the top, allowing it to wilt slightly in the heat.
Step 7: Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 9: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner with Spinach - Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner

Keep these in mind:

For additional protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas or white beans.
Ensure the skillet is hot enough when searing to achieve a golden crust.
Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor.
Use fresh homemade pesto for an even richer taste.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner

This dish can be served in several delightful ways:

Over pasta for a creamy pesto chicken and pasta dish.
With a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
As a filling in a wrap for a quick lunch option.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for a quick meal prep option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner

What is Creamy Pesto Chicken?

It’s a flavorful dish made with chicken breasts cooked in a rich creamy pesto sauce, often accompanied by vegetables like spinach and tomatoes.

Can I make Creamy Pesto Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, store them separately, and then combine and heat when you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Pesto Chicken?

Ensure the chicken is not overcooked to keep it juicy, and avoid burning the tomatoes by monitoring their roasting time closely.

Creative Variations of Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner You Can Try

Here are some tasty variations:

Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Incorporate different greens, like kale or arugula, for added nutrients.
Use different protein options such as shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian take (Diet: Gluten Free).
Experiment with various pesto flavors, like sun-dried tomato or spicy arugula.

For more information on the health benefits of spinach, check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in making your own pesto, you can find a great recipe here. Additionally, for a delicious side, consider trying Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.

Delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner with Spinach

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Creamy Pesto Chicken Dinner with Roasted Tomatoes & Spinach

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup creamy pesto sauce
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to coat and roast in the oven for about 10 minutes.
After the tomatoes have roasted, return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the chicken and tomatoes, ensuring everything is well coated.
Scatter the fresh spinach over the top, allowing it to wilt slightly in the heat.
Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.