If you are craving a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors while still feeling comfortingly indulgent, this Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Creamy Sauce Recipe is a total winner. Tender chicken cutlets enveloped in aromatic pesto, simmered in a luscious creamy sauce with juicy cherry tomatoes, create the perfect harmony of taste and texture that will have you coming back for seconds. This is one of those recipes that feels effortlessly fancy yet is simple enough for any weeknight dinner, making it a true crowd-pleaser at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Creamy Sauce Recipe plays a vital role, bringing balance and depth to the dish. From the bright acidity of fresh cherry tomatoes to the silky texture of heavy cream, the combination is both straightforward and spectacular.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up every bit of pesto flavor beautifully.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting the natural taste of the chicken.
- Pesto (divided): Herbaceous and nutty, this is the star flavor that infuses the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a golden brown and adds a fruity richness.
- Dry white wine: Adds subtle acidity and deglazes the pan, lifting all those delicious browned bits.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious sauce that wraps every element in comforting richness.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of bright sweetness and a pop of color.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish topping the dish.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional): Offers a fresh and fragrant garnish to elevate the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry to ensure a nice sear, then slice each breast in half to create four cutlets. Season them generously on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step is crucial as it builds the base flavor and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Coat with Pesto
Next, toss the chicken cutlets with 2 tablespoons of pesto until each piece is well coated. This not only adds a vibrant herbaceous layer but also helps keep the chicken juicy during cooking. Let the flavors meld while you prepare the next steps.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the pesto-coated chicken cutlets in the pan and sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step locks in juices and creates a delightful crust.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan with Wine
Pour the dry white wine into the hot skillet, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor and will deepen the sauce. Let the wine reduce for a minute or so until slightly evaporated.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ cup of pesto. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken and become luxuriously creamy. This sauce is where all the flavors converge, balancing richness with herbal brightness.
Step 6: Introduce Cherry Tomatoes
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they are just warmed through but still hold their shape. Their slight burst of sweetness and acidity cuts through the creaminess, adding a fresh, vibrant contrast.
Step 7: Return Chicken to the Pan
Place the seared chicken cutlets back into the sauce, spooning the creamy pesto and cherry tomato mixture over the top to coat each piece generously. This final step marries all components, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful.
Step 8: Finish with Parmesan and Basil
To serve, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a salty, savory finish, and add chopped fresh basil if you have it. The basil adds a fresh herbal note and a lovely splash of green to brighten the plate visually and in flavor.
How to Serve Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take your Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Creamy Sauce Recipe from great to show-stopping. Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant burst of color, while a final dusting of Parmesan cheese adds that irresistible salty touch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also deepen the flavor and sheen of the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. Fresh steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or a crisp salad add balance and make the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the chicken cutlets overlapping on a large platter with sauce spooned generously over them. Scatter the cherry tomatoes artistically across the dish and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Serving in individual shallow bowls ensures everyone gets their perfect portion of sauce and chicken in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of the Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Creamy Sauce Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. This dish reheats wonderfully and makes for an easy, flavorful meal the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to avoid curdling the creamy sauce, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to retain moisture and flavor without overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more richness and stay very juicy, but remember they may need slightly longer cooking time. The pesto and sauce flavors are fantastic with either cut.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Just be mindful this will slightly change the flavor profile but still remain delicious.
Can I prepare the pesto homemade for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil will provide the freshest and most vibrant flavor for this dish.
What if I don’t have white wine? Can I skip it?
If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute with chicken broth or simply omit it. The sauce will still be flavorful, though the wine adds a subtle complexity.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Cooking chicken cutlets about 4 to 5 minutes per side on medium heat typically ensures they are done. To be certain, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), and the juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts
This Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Creamy Sauce Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor in a way that’s both simple and special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish will bring lots of smiles to the table. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This easy and flavorful Pesto Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets coated in vibrant pesto, seared to perfection, and served with a creamy pesto sauce and fresh cherry tomatoes. It’s a quick stovetop meal that’s perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons pesto
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¾ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- ½ cup pesto
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
To Serve
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice each in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Season both sides of each cutlet generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Coat with pesto: Place the chicken cutlets in a bowl and toss them with 2 tablespoons of pesto until each piece is evenly coated. Set aside to marinate briefly.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets and sear them for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the skillet: Pour ¼ cup dry white wine into the hot skillet and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds rich flavor to the sauce.
- Make the creamy pesto sauce: Stir in ¾ cup heavy cream and ½ cup pesto into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomatoes are warmed through but still hold their shape.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the creamy pesto sauce over them to coat evenly. Heat through for about 1 minute.
- Serve: Plate the chicken cutlets and spoon additional sauce and tomatoes over the top. Garnish with 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped fresh basil for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use homemade or store-bought pesto based on convenience.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- The dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy pesto sauce.
- If you don’t consume alcohol, replace white wine with chicken broth or omit it entirely and add a splash more cream or water.
