Print

Pesto Chicken with Tomatoes & Spinach

Pesto Chicken with Tomatoes & Spinach
Print Recipe

A quick, healthy, and flavorful Pesto Chicken with Tomatoes & Spinach recipe that combines tender chicken breasts coated in creamy basil pesto with juicy cherry tomatoes and nutrient-rich spinach. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights while still delivering vibrant colors and delicious taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 large chicken breasts (lean and tender)

Sauces and Oils

  • 3 tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices.
  3. Add Spinach and Pesto: Stir fresh spinach into the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic, allowing it to wilt gently over low heat. Once wilted, spoon in the basil pesto and mix until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the pesto mixture. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh pesto for best flavor: homemade or good quality store-bought pesto will elevate the dish tremendously.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy; remove it as soon as it’s cooked through.
  • Allow tomatoes to soften but retain their shape to balance texture and prevent watery sauce.
  • Wilt spinach gently for just a minute or two to preserve color and nutrients.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end as pesto saltiness may vary.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto chicken, chicken with tomatoes and spinach, quick healthy dinner, basil pesto recipe, one-pan dinner, gluten free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/pesto-chicken-with-tomatoes-spinach/