Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and a rich creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy meal, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a favorite for any home cook looking for satisfying, homemade recipes.
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. Place between plastic wrap and lightly pound the thicker part to create even-ish cutlets. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the oil and sear the chicken on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until starting to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a very gentle simmer. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Whisk together the cream and cornstarch and pour into the skillet, ensuring it doesn’t boil. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir the pesto and parmesan into the sauce. Add the chicken back to the skillet and turn it in the sauce, simmering gently until heated through.
- Serve immediately over linguine or spaghetti, garnished with extra pesto, parmesan cheese, and cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 150mg