Description
Succulent creamy pesto chicken brings Mediterranean elegance to your dinner table with rich herbal notes and velvety sauce. Quick and simple preparation delivers a luxurious meal that delights palates and satisfies hunger in one delicious stroke.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauces and Dairy:
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 3 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauteing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even seasoning across all surfaces.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame, carefully placing seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan.
- Cook chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, developing a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.
- Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and preserving its succulence.
- Utilize the same skillet to create a luxurious sauce by pouring in heavy cream and pesto, gently whisking to integrate the two ingredients.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and gradually thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and develop rich flavor profiles.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Carefully return chicken breasts to the skillet, delicately coating each piece with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Warm the chicken in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring complete heat distribution and flavor infusion.
- Finish the dish by scattering fresh basil leaves as a vibrant garnish, presenting the creamy pesto chicken alongside your preferred accompaniment such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, herb-packed flavor profile.
- Use low-fat cream or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to heavy cream, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing richness.
- Ensure chicken is evenly seasoned by gently pounding breasts to uniform thickness before cooking, promoting consistent and juicy results.
- Fresh pesto delivers more vibrant flavor compared to store-bought; homemade versions allow control over ingredients and can reduce sodium levels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg