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A plate of savory pesto chicken served with fresh herbs and a side of roasted vegetables, showcasing its vibrant green color and creamy texture.

Flavorful Pesto Chicken: A Velvety Dinner Delight

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Experience a velvety, flavorful dinner with our Creamy Pesto Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts are paired with rich basil pesto and a smooth, creamy sauce, creating an irresistible and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This recipe combines aromatic herbs, savory cheese, and tender chicken for a truly memorable meal that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto (check out our pasta and dinner tag for more ideas)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the pesto sauce over them. Let everything cook together for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil for the pesto to enhance flavor.
  • If chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them slightly for even cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of pesto and cream to suit your taste for a richer or lighter dish.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 480 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg