Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe
This Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful pesto cream sauce with fresh grape tomatoes. Perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner, it’s packed with savory garlic and vibrant basil pesto, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & 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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pesto
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the halved grape tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to incorporate the tomato juices and garlic. Allow the cream to warm and thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the pesto until fully blended.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy pesto sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the creamy pesto tomato sauce over each. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use fresh pesto for the best flavor, or substitute with store-bought pesto if short on time.
- Adjust the cream quantity to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- If preferred, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Keywords: Creamy pesto chicken, chicken breast recipe, easy Italian chicken, garlic tomato cream sauce, weeknight dinner
Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-recipe/