Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection with garlic, grape tomatoes, and a rich creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines the fresh taste of pesto with luscious cream for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lb. total)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pesto
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them evenly on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the halved grape tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and pesto. Stir well to combine and cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy pesto sauce over them. Allow the chicken to warm in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes. Serve hot and garnish with extra pesto or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less thick.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Serve alongside pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Keywords: creamy pesto chicken, pesto chicken recipe, creamy chicken, Italian chicken dish, easy chicken dinner