You might have a secret desire to be Suzy homemaker. Or to be known as the Martha Stewart of your neighborhood. Or strive to be just like whoever that overachiever is on Pinterest who makes, creates and cooks every. single. thing. from scratch.
I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to let those dreams die.
It’s okay to take a short cut here and there.
You don’t have to do it all, every. single. time. Especially when it comes to weeknights in the kitchen when all you’re craving is some simple, easy comfort food.
Hey! Let’s jump on the short cut, one-pan-dinner train together.
There are the times when only fresh will do. That’s when I make homemade pesto. And then there are times when certain measures must be taken to maintain sanity in the household. That’s when I’m more than happy to use a flip of the wrist and dig into a jar of pesto straight from my pantry.
I love a good, herbaceous basil pesto, but I do like to change things up and my man just gave me good reason to do so stat.
After way too many to count years together, the other day my husband announced that he simply isn’t a fan of sun-dried tomatoes. What? How could he have hidden this from me all these years? I can only imagine the reason he made the statement is due to the fact he was eating a garden ripe tomato.
DeLallo’s Simply Pesto Sun-Dried Tomato with Olive is the perfect antidote and peace keeper in the kitchen. It’s a mix of sun-dried tomatoes and olives in a smooth and somewhat spicy bite that totally jives with my husband’s tastebuds. And with a dose of half and half, it makes a killer creamy sauce for a one-pan chicken dinner.
About the recipe:
Whether it’s chicken, meat or pasta, for some reason I always think I need to add garlic and onion to a sauce. No need here thanks to the wonderworld of DeLallo’s Simply Pesto. It has plenty of flavor for the whole dish. I did add a pinch or two of kosher salt to bring out the flavors just a bit more.
I added slices of baby bella mushrooms and fresh spinach to up the vegetable ante and work in a few more healthy gold stars in our diet. If you don’t have them on hand, no big deal. The dish would be just as creamy and delicious. Or, consider adding in red bell pepper or zucchini instead.
I gave this creamy dish just a bit more creamy flavor with a sprinkling of tangy goat cheese. Salty parmesan or asiago would be fine substitutions.
After mixing the half and half and the pesto together , don’t be alarmed if it looks to be separating. The sauce will come together as it cooks down and also as it cools upon serving.
I added the cooked fusilli pasta to pan to coat the pasta, but if you prefer, serve the plain pasta on the side of the plate and top with the chicken breast and sauce.
One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried fusilli pasta
- 3-4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (1 ¾ to 2 pounds)
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 10 baby bella or cremini mushrooms cleaned, stemmed and sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 ⅓ cup half and half
- 1 jar DeLallo Simply Pesto Sun-Dried Tomato with Olive 6.35 ounces
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese 1-2 ounces
- Italian flat leaf parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet heat 1 tablespoon of the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring once or twice then transfer to a bowl.
- Meanwhile, season chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and add the chicken. Cook for about 12-15 minutes or until no longer pink (165 degrees F), turning once. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate.
- Add the half and half to the skillet and whisk in the DeLallo Simply Pesto Sun-Dried Tomato with Olive. Season with kosher salt to taste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes then return the mushrooms and chicken to the sauce and mix to coat. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until sauce has reduced slightly. Mix in the spinach. If desired add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir to coat or serve the chicken and sauce over the plain pasta. Garnish with crumbles of goat cheese and parsley.
This post is sponsored by DeLallo Foods. As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own.
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I also used freshly grated asiago cheese instead of goat cheese!
So delicious with a lot of flavor! I seasoned the chicken with garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. I cooked all of this in a Dutch oven except for the pasta!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Stephanie and those cheeses you used sound delish!
Was wondering how or if these would freeze.
Hi Heidi! This should freeze fine — we hope you enjoy!
Really delicious with some roasted pine nuts thrown in there and I also melted the goat cheese in the sauce and it added to the creaminess and the amazing flavor!
Great idea!!!
I wanted to love this recipe, but I followed it to a ‘T and my sauce consistency became a bit curdled after putting the mushrooms back in. Now it kinda looks like vomit because I did not use any meat.
What is half and half?
I am having dinner party of 8 people, can I double the recipe without adjusting recipe? Thanks sounds so delicious!
I am having dinner party for 8 people, any suggestions for doubling recipe. Sounds really delicious!
I want to try this recipe but I’m unsure what can I use instead of goat cheese?
I use asiago and parmesan (fresh grated)
Turned out well!
What is half and half? Like the sound of this recipe.
Hi Irene, Half and half is a dairy product consisting of equal parts light cream and milk, or in the UK known as half cream.
This is beautiful, you listed all the ingredients I have in my fridge weekly. I’m making this tomorrow with mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, pesto, and sun dried tomato because I don’t have the combined kind…oh and adding onions and garlic because I believe it should be in every sauce too! Do you live in Pittsburgh or do they sell Delallo’s products everywhere in the country?
Hi Ruosi, I don’t live in Pittsburgh but I find it at my local Kroger store (Smith’s Marketplace). Or, you can also purchase DeLallo online at dellalo.com. I really do love their pasta and sauces.
Oh I see-just asking cause in Pittsburgh we have a DeLallo’s down the street but I’m in the South now so we also have a Kroger here.
I just finished eating this and it was so good! I made it with tortellini and added some zucchini, onions, corn in addition to your ingredients, and some last minute curry powder for a kick. Loved it, I think next time I’ll keep the curry powder and serve it with rice because there was a lot of liquid :)
Great tip on the curry powder Ruosi!
This isn’t a “one pot” recipe – it’s two pots, a bowl, and a platter. :( Wah. But I like the idea, and will try it tonight!
One-pan dinners are always a hit here! The sun-dried tomato pesto sounds amazing! Pinning!
I found this on pinterest and it looks absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to give it a try…I wonder how it would be with olives? Thanks for sharing!
Saw this on facebook and instagram, had to check it out. Can’t wait to make it!
I love sun dried tomatoes and this sounds fantastic!
Totally delicious!! Love these ingredients!
This looks so good! I’m in need for some new pasta recipes and this one looks like a keeper. Thanks for sharing.
I heart simple, yet special weeknight dinners like this. Martha? Who needs her.
This looks so delicious and uncomplicated, just what I’m after. Thanks Heidi. I always love your blog.
I need to get my hands on that pesto! This looks so good!
Omg!!! This looks so so delicious!
Holy yum, this look totally delicious! I need to go and find this sun dried tomato pesto asap!
The link in the post will lead you to it online. Have fun cooking!
Duh! I am all about the one pot/pan meals! This looks divine!
Oh, that pesto. Man, that sounds good! Especially in this easy dinner!
Oh MAN, this one’s a winner. That pesto sauce sounds crazy good!
I love dinners that can be made and served form one pan. This looks awesome!
Oh, my …. yes, please! Delish!
What is half and half ? Is that milk ?
gimme gimme. This looks delicious, fresh, easy and is packed with awesome flavors! Love this Heidi.