Creamy Pesto Chicken

Description

Creamy Pesto Chicken

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that brings the vibrant flavors of pesto together with juicy, tender chicken. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s an effortless way to bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone. Serve it alongside pasta or some freshly steamed vegetables for the perfect pairing.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions:
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden. Set aside.
3. Sauté garlic, add cream, and pesto.
4. Return chicken, simmer, add Parmesan. Garnish with basil.

Prep Time: 30 mins
Kcal: 400 per serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Creamy Pesto Chicken every time.

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear. Season both sides generously with the salt and pepper.
2. Sear to Perfection: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, without moving, until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
3. Build the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Whisk in the pesto until fully combined.
4. Simmer and Combine: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to heat through and thicken slightly.
5. Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce, stirring gently until melted. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic meal, serve it over a bed of fettuccine, linguine, or penne to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, try it with steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. It’s also excellent with roasted baby potatoes, a crisp garden salad, or a slice of crusty garlic bread.

How-to Summary

Season and sear chicken breasts until golden. Set aside. Sauté garlic, then create a sauce by simmering heavy cream and pesto together. Return chicken to the skillet, simmer to heat through, and finish by stirring in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and may be more flavorful and juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Note the sauce will be slightly less thick.

How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pesto cream sauce 1-2 days in advance. Store it separately in the fridge and gently reheat it in a pan before adding the cooked chicken.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? Let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce. For a quicker fix, create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Drying the Chicken: Adding wet chicken to the pan steams it instead of searing it, preventing a golden crust.
• Crowding the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature and leads to steaming.
• Using High Heat for the Sauce: After searing, reduce the heat. Boiling the cream can cause it to separate or scorch.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer. Cooking past 165°F will result in dry, tough chicken.

Conclusion

Creamy Pesto Chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes. Its rich, herbaceous sauce and tender chicken offer incredible flavor with minimal effort. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this reliable, crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.