๐Ÿ— Creamy Pesto Chicken ๐Ÿƒ

This Creamy Pesto Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and creamy pesto sauce. It’s an easy and quick meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

๐Ÿ“‹ Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ๐Ÿ”
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil ๐Ÿ›ข๏ธ
  • Salt and pepper to taste ๐Ÿง‚
  • 1 cup heavy cream ๐Ÿฅ›
  • 1/3 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade) ๐Ÿƒ
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ๐Ÿง€
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced ๐Ÿง„
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional) ๐Ÿฒ
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish ๐ŸŒฟ

๐Ÿ“ Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season the chicken:
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  1. Sear the chicken:
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce:

  1. Sautรฉ the garlic:
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sautรฉ for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  1. Add the cream and pesto:
  • Stir in the heavy cream and pesto, bringing the mixture to a simmer. If you prefer a slightly thinner sauce, add the chicken broth at this stage.
  1. Add Parmesan:
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

3. Combine and Serve:

  1. Return the chicken:
  • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy pesto sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
  1. Garnish and serve:
  • Garnish the Creamy Pesto Chicken with fresh basil or parsley. Serve over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables.

โฑ๏ธ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
โฑ๏ธ Cooking Time: 20 minutes
โฑ๏ธ Total Time: 30 minutes
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Servings: 4 servings
๐Ÿ”ฅ Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal per serving

This Creamy Pesto Chicken is rich, flavorful, and easy to make! The creamy pesto sauce pairs beautifully with the tender chicken, making it a perfect dinner for any occasion. ๐Ÿƒ๐Ÿ—๐Ÿง€