Growing up in an Italian family, you grow up appreciating good food. Some of my best memories are from the kitchen in my parents' house, learning how to bake while sandwiched between my grandparents, listening to them argue about "who was doing it better" over my head. I'm not even kidding. Each had their own technique, each thought their technique was the best, and they were each determined to tell me why their method was the best. Or having my Grandpa explain to me why when you make mini meatballs, they all have to be the EXACT same size. Now every time I make those mini meatballs for the lasagna at Christmas, I start the batch over if they're not similar in size. 

I would totally eat Italian food everyday if I could. Maybe it's the nostalgia of sitting around the living room table at Easter watching my family serve Stracciatella, or the more recent memories of my parents and I getting together around Christmas to make the gravy for the lasagna. Regardless, good Italian food is total comfort food in my house and any healthy alternative to good Italian food, I'll totally take!

This one combines everything amazing about pesto (and if you can get it pre-made even better), melty cheese, vibrant tomatoes and juicy chicken. On top of that, it looks elegant enough to serve for a dinner party but is super easy to make!

Chicken Pesto Bake

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Serves: 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup pesto (either homemade or store bought), split into 4 servings

4 slices of mozzarella cheese

2 roma tomatoes, sliced

salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat your oven to 350, and spray your favorite cooking pan with non stick spray. Place the chicken breasts on the cooking pan and season with salt and pepper. Take your portions of pesto and smear them over each piece of chicken until spread evenly. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

While chicken is cooking, slice up your mozzarella and your tomatoes. After the chicken is done cooking, place a slice of mozzarella and two slices of tomatoes on top of each piece of chicken. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melty. Serve immediately and enjoy!