Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, aromatic pesto sauce. The vibrant basil pesto, made with fresh herbs, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, is blended into a creamy sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. This dish is easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and is sure to impress with its delightful balance of savory, herby flavors and creamy richness. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect choice for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay tender.
- Pesto: A rich, flavorful pesto sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese creates a creamy and aromatic base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture and adds indulgence to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the Pesto and Cheese: Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if desired.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the Chicken to the Pan: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of each breast.
- Simmer Together: Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Serve:
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy pesto chicken with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 40g