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Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 107 reviews

This Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful sauce made from basil pesto, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Enhanced with optional cherry tomatoes and fresh basil garnish, this dish offers a quick, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Optional & Garnish

  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant to infuse the sauce with flavor.
  4. Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream, then stir in basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Combine & Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy pesto sauce over the chicken, add cherry tomatoes if using, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness but can be omitted if desired.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • Serve this dish with pasta, rice, or a side salad to complete the meal.

Keywords: Creamy Pesto Chicken, Pesto chicken recipe, creamy chicken skillet, easy chicken dinner, basil pesto chicken

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