Creamy Pesto Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a rich and indulgent dish that brings together succulent chicken breasts and a creamy, flavorful pesto sauce. The aromatic basil, garlic, and Parmesan in the pesto sauce add depth to the chicken, making it the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and fresh. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy pesto sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and coat it in the sauce.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
• Serve the creamy pesto chicken over pasta, rice, or a bed of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or toasted pine nuts for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly in this recipe if you’re short on time.

Can I make the pesto sauce ahead of time?
Yes, pesto can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier alternative, and they’ll work well with the creamy pesto sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any wheat-based ingredients.

Conclusion

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a perfect dish for those who love the bold, herbaceous flavor of pesto paired with a creamy sauce. It’s quick to prepare and packs in a lot of flavor, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests. The combination of juicy chicken and rich pesto sauce makes this dish truly comforting and satisfying.

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