Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made from basil pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cooked on the stovetop, it’s a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired main course that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The sauce is rich and aromatic, enhanced by garlic and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and garnished with fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the same skillet, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Stir in 1/3 cup of basil pesto and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If desired, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy pesto sauce over the chicken and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat everything through and let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil for a vibrant touch before serving. Enjoy your creamy pesto chicken over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade pesto according to your preference.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Serve this dish over your choice of pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for a wholesome meal.
