Creamy Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Looking for an easy yet impressive dinner? This Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with aromatic basil pesto, melted mozzarella cheese, and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes. The result is a comforting Italian-inspired meal that’s bursting with flavor, simple enough for weeknights, and elegant enough for guests.
The rich pesto creates a delicious herb-infused coating, while the mozzarella melts into a golden, bubbly topping. Paired with juicy roasted tomatoes, every bite is a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup basil pesto
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Arrange the chicken in the prepared baking dish. Spread a generous layer of basil pesto evenly over each piece.
Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with the minced garlic.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
Remove the dish from the oven and top each chicken breast with mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious chicken bake with:
Garlic butter pasta
Roasted potatoes
Steamed green beans
Caesar salad
Crusty Italian bread
Tips for Success
Use fresh mozzarella slices for an extra creamy texture.
Add spinach or zucchini to the baking dish for a complete one-pan meal.
For extra color and flavor, finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
A simple, cheesy, and flavor-packed dinner that brings the taste of Italy straight to your table!
