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Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 21 reviews

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich pesto-infused cream sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe balances creamy, herby, and savory notes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Optional Garnish

  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat before cooking.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook each side for 5-6 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as this will impart flavor to the sauce.
  4. Prepare the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
  5. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy pesto sauce over them. Add the halved cherry tomatoes if using, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken is heated through.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • For a gluten-free meal, ensure the pesto does not contain any gluten additives.
  • Cherry tomatoes add a fresh pop of acidity and color but are optional.
  • This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto chicken, chicken breast recipe, easy Italian chicken, pesto cream sauce, Parmesan chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-recipe/