Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken: Easy Dinner Bliss in Under 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1–1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Crusty buttered bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create two thin pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–6 minutes total, flipping once. Add the butter when flipping.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for about 1 minute.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Whisk in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil pesto, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Combine and Adjust: Taste sauce, adjust salt and pepper, and stir in fresh basil. Return chicken to pan and spoon sauce over it. Simmer for an additional minute.
- Serve: Enjoy your creamy pesto chicken immediately with crusty buttered bread.
Notes
- Use small chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by cooking longer or adding more cream.
- Fresh basil enhances flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Creamy Pesto Chicken, Easy Dinner, Quick Recipe