Description
Creamy pesto chicken is a quick, rich, and flavorful dish featuring seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious pesto and cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, it pairs well with pasta, rice, or veggies.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the pesto and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and simmer for 2–3 more minutes.
- Optional: Add cherry tomatoes and cook until just softened.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
Use boneless thighs for an even juicier alternative.Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or coconut milk.Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor.Double the sauce if serving over pasta for more coverage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
