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Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 57 reviews

This creamy pesto chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful garlic and grape tomato sauce, finished with rich heavy cream and vibrant pesto. It’s an easy, quick stovetop meal perfect for a satisfying and elegant dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lb total)
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

Sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup pesto

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor throughout the dish.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté garlic and tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved grape tomatoes and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
  4. Add cream and pesto: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the pesto until fully combined. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Combine chicken with sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
  6. Serve: Plate the chicken and generously spoon the creamy pesto tomato sauce over the top. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
  • Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor, or store-bought works well in a pinch.
  • Pair with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat if desired.

Keywords: Creamy pesto chicken, chicken breast recipe, easy Italian chicken, pesto sauce chicken, creamy garlic chicken, one pan chicken dinner

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-recipe/