Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken is a delicious and easy weeknight meal featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich and flavorful pesto cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- 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 cup fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. 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 about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach to the sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve the creamy pesto chicken garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add cooked pasta or quinoa to the skillet for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg