Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a luscious sauce of heavy cream, basil pesto, and fresh tomatoes. Perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting meal, it’s ready in just 40 minutes and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 to 1.5 pounds chicken breast (about 2 large)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ to ⅓ cup basil pesto (or more to taste)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pound the thicker part for even cutlets. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add tomatoes to the skillet, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk cream and cornstarch together, then add to the skillet and heat gently without boiling.
- Stir in basil pesto and parmesan until well combined. Return chicken to the skillet, turning in the sauce, and let it heat through.
- Serve immediately over linguine or spaghetti, topped with extra pesto, parmesan, and cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is evenly pounded for consistent cooking.
Do not bring the sauce to a boil to prevent it from splitting.
Adjust pesto and parmesan according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg