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.
π Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts π
- 2 tablespoons olive oil π’οΈ
- Salt and pepper to taste π§
- 1 cup heavy cream π₯
- 1/3 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade) π
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese π§
- 2 cloves garlic, minced π§
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional) π²
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish πΏ
π Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- 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 165Β°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
- SautΓ© the garlic:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. SautΓ© for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish the Creamy Pesto Chicken with fresh basil or parsley. Serve over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables.
β±οΈ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
β±οΈ Cooking Time: 20 minutes
β±οΈ Total Time: 30 minutes
π½οΈ Servings: 4 servings
π₯ 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. πππ§