Creamy Pesto Chicken

Creamy Pesto Chicken

This Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken with a rich, flavorful pesto cream sauce. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.

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Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
   • Reduce heat to low, then add the heavy cream, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Combine:

   • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. If using, add the halved cherry tomatoes and let them warm in the sauce.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables.

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Tips:

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to make it a one-pan meal.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to speed up the process.

Enjoy your Creamy Pesto Chicken, a dish that’s as flavorful as it is comforting! 🍽️🌿