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Creamy Pesto Chicken

Creamy Pesto Chicken
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Creamy Pesto Chicken is a quick and easy dinner recipe combining tender boneless chicken breasts with a rich basil pesto and velvety cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and versatile dish can be served with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a comforting, family-friendly meal that feels gourmet yet is simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons basil pesto (fresh or store-bought)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the basil pesto, then gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them evenly with the creamy pesto sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes so it can absorb the flavors and for the sauce to thicken further.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Once heated through and the sauce is rich and creamy, transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese as desired, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh pesto whenever possible for a brighter, more natural flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy; use a meat thermometer if needed.
  • Simmer the sauce to thicken it for a luscious texture that clings to the chicken.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain its juices.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end to maintain their vibrant color and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto chicken, easy dinner, basil pesto recipe, gluten free chicken, weeknight meal, creamy sauce chicken

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