Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich and flavorful pesto cream sauce, perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound), boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream alternative.
- Add sautéed spinach or kale to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg