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jhessica

Creamy Pesto Chicken is the Ultimate Weeknight Delight!

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a delicious and easy weeknight meal featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich and flavorful pesto cream sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach to the sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. 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.
  6. Serve the creamy pesto chicken garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 45gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Add cooked pasta or quinoa to the skillet for a complete meal.

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