Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken is a simple and delicious main course featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich and silky pesto cream sauce. This easy recipe combines just five ingredients to create an elegant and flavorful dish perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper, being cautious with salt since pesto can be salty.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and sear each side for 5 minutes until golden brown. Then transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the pesto and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine the ingredients.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet along with any juices on the plate. Simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through to 165°F and the sauce thickens. Add a splash of water, white wine, or low sodium chicken broth if the sauce reduces too much before the chicken is done.
Notes
- This recipe is quick and easy to prepare with just five simple ingredients.
- Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto depending on your preference.
- Be careful with added salt as pesto can vary in saltiness.
- If the sauce gets too thick before the chicken is fully cooked, add a little liquid like water, white wine, or broth to loosen it up.
- Serving with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables pairs well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 507 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
