Looking for a chicken dinner that feels a little more special than your usual routine? This creamy chicken pesto recipe is here to elevate your weeknight meals! With tender chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce, it’s the perfect dish to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Imagine succulent chicken breasts simmered in a luscious creamy pesto sauce, making each bite burst with flavor. It’s quick, easy, and will have you wondering why you ever settled for plain chicken. Plus, it’s an excellent option when you’re searching for chicken dinner ideas that keep things exciting and satisfy your taste buds.
This recipe not only highlights chicken breast in a delightful way, but it’s also versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or even a fresh salad, making it a perfect addition to your dinner rotation.
A Flavorful Creamy Chicken Dish
This creamy pesto chicken breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken cooked in a rich and savory pesto cream sauce. It’s comforting and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a lovely dinner at home with minimal fuss.
The chicken is enveloped in a luscious green sauce that bursts with flavor, ensuring that every bite is a delight. This dish is not just about the chicken; it’s a harmonious blend of ingredients that work beautifully together.
Preparing the Chicken
To start, the chicken breasts are seasoned with salt and pepper, ensuring that they are flavorful throughout. This simple step is crucial for enhancing the taste of the entire dish.
Once seasoned, the chicken is seared in olive oil until golden brown and fully cooked. This step not only adds a delicious crust but also seals in the juices, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Creating the Creamy Pesto Sauce
The heart of this dish lies in its creamy pesto sauce. After searing the chicken, minced garlic is sautéed in the same skillet, infusing the oil with its aromatic flavor.
Heavy cream and basil pesto are then added, creating a smooth and rich sauce. As it simmers, the sauce thickens slightly, intensifying its flavor and making it the perfect complement to the chicken.
Bringing It All Together
Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, the chicken is returned to the skillet. Spoon the creamy pesto sauce generously over the chicken, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors.
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a layer of richness, making the dish even more indulgent. A few additional minutes on the heat ensures everything is warmed through, ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pesto chicken is often served over a bed of fettuccine pasta, which beautifully contrasts with the vibrant green sauce. The pasta not only acts as a hearty base but also soaks up any extra sauce, making each bite satisfying.
For a touch of freshness, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of flavor that elevates the dish further.
Why This Dish Fits Into Your Dinner Rotation
This chicken dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under half an hour.
It’s versatile, too. While it shines on its own, it can easily be paired with sides such as rice or a fresh salad, making it adaptable to various preferences and occasions.
A Flavorful Creamy Chicken Dish
This creamy pesto chicken breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken cooked in a rich and savory pesto cream sauce. It’s comforting and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a lovely dinner at home with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the heavy cream and pesto. Bring to a simmer and allow to thicken slightly.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy pesto sauce over the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or your favorite side.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
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Natasha is a dedicated mother of four boys, living in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. With over 20 years of experience in the medical field, she has spent her career caring for others, but recently discovered a new passion—blogging. A foodie at heart, she loves experimenting in the kitchen and exploring new recipes, sharing her culinary adventures with others. Whether she’s writing about her experiences, discovering hidden gems in Hawaiian cuisine, or balancing the joys of motherhood, she embraces every moment with creativity and enthusiasm.