Can I use store-bought pesto for Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken with Asparagus and Tomatoes?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto as a convenient alternative. However, homemade pesto usually offers fresher, more vibrant flavors. Keep in mind that store-bought versions may be saltier and sometimes contain preservatives, so adjust seasoning accordingly. If using store-bought pesto, choose a high-quality one and consider thinning it slightly with olive oil for easy spreading.

What vegetables work best with pesto chicken on a sheet pan?

Vegetables that roast evenly and cook in roughly the same time as chicken pieces work best. Asparagus and cherry tomatoes are ideal choices because they cook quickly and retain texture. Other good options include zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Avoid using vegetables that require much longer cooking times, like potatoes, unless you pre-cook them.

How do I prevent the chicken and vegetables from drying out when baking on a sheet pan?

To keep the chicken and vegetables moist, coat them evenly with pesto or a light drizzle of olive oil before baking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow proper air circulation and even cooking. Also, baking at a moderate temperature around 400°F (200°C) helps retain moisture without overcooking.

Can I prepare Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken ahead of time for meal prep?

Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken in pesto a few hours in advance or overnight to enhance flavor. Assemble the sheet pan ingredients shortly before baking to keep vegetables fresh. Once cooked, this dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats quickly for easy meals.

Are walnuts necessary in this recipe, and can I substitute them?

Walnuts add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor that complements the pesto and vegetables. If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different taste, you can substitute them with toasted pine nuts, almonds, or omit nuts entirely. Just sprinkle them over the dish after baking to maintain their texture.

Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken Asparagus Tomatoes Walnuts Recipe

Name: Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken Asparagus Tomatoes Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: – 1 1/2 cups packed fresh basil leaves; – 1/4 cup walnuts; – 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese; – 2 garlic cloves; – 1/2 cup olive oil; – Salt and pepper to taste; – 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces; – 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces; – 1 pint grape tomatoes; – 1/2 cup walnuts

Description

🍗 This Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken with Asparagus, Tomatoes and Walnuts brings a deliciously easy homemade walnut pesto packed with fresh basil and Parmesan.
🥗 A perfect one-pan meal combining lean chicken, nutritious veggies, and crunchy walnuts, making it a wholesome choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 cups packed fresh basil leaves

– 1/4 cup walnuts

– 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese

– 2 garlic cloves

– 1/2 cup olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces

– 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

– 1 pint grape tomatoes

– 1/2 cup walnuts

Instructions

1-Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2-Toss the 1 1/2 pounds of diced chicken breasts and 1 pound of trimmed asparagus with 1/4 cup of the homemade walnut pesto, then season with salt and pepper.

3-Spread the chicken and asparagus evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes.

4-Drain any excess liquid, add the 1 pint of grape tomatoes, toss everything together, and roast for an additional 8 to 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

5-Remove from the oven, toss with the remaining 1/4 cup pesto and 1/2 cup walnuts, then serve immediately for the best taste.

Notes

🌿 Prepare the walnut pesto ahead of time and freeze it in small portions for quick use later.
🍴 Spread ingredients evenly on the baking sheet to ensure uniform cooking.
🥦 You can substitute asparagus with green beans, spinach, or zucchini that cook at a similar rate to the chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 649 kcal per serving
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fat: 42 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 33 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg

Keywords: Sheet Pan, Pesto Chicken, Asparagus, Walnuts