Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce of heavy cream, savory pesto, and sautéed tomatoes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, it is both flavorful and simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for anyone looking for a hearty, home-cooked meal.
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
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pound them lightly for even cutlets. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides, about 3-4 minutes each side, then remove it from the skillet.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the halved tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. If using minced garlic, add it now and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any bit stuck to the bottom. Whisk the cream and cornstarch together, then stir into the broth. Keep the heat low to prevent boiling.
- Stir in the pesto and parmesan, returning the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Simmer until the chicken is heated through.
- Serve immediately over cooked linguine or spaghetti, garnished with extra pesto, parmesan, and cracked black pepper.
Notes
Adjust the amount of pesto and parmesan to your taste preference.
Serve with pasta of your choice to create a complete meal.
This dish pairs great with a fresh garden salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 150mg