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Pan-seared chicken breasts in a Creamy Pesto Chicken with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

Creamy Pesto Chicken

A deliciously creamy and vibrant pesto sauce elevates this Creamy Pesto Chicken dinner, perfect for any occasion.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Chicken, creamy, Creamy Pesto Chicken, easy dinner, Pesto
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 415kcal
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet A 12-inch skillet works best to fit all chicken pieces without crowding. If smaller, cook in batches.
  • 1 Knife and cutting board Essential for filleting the chicken, mincing garlic, and halving tomatoes. A sharp knife helps with prep speed.
  • 1 Spoon or spatula To stir the sauce and flip the chicken. A wooden spoon or silicone spatula works best to protect your skillet.

Ingredients

  • 2.2 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.4 lb total (chicken breasts)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt adjust based on preference
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper adjust based on preference
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil divided for cooking and flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic minced fresh garlic is best for flavor
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes halved sweet and juicy tomatoes
  • ½ cup heavy cream adds a rich creamy texture
  • ¼ cup pesto use your favorite pesto homemade or store-bought

Instructions

  • Fillet the chicken breasts into thinner portions or pound them to even thickness, then cut each into two halves. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoon of olive oil, followed by minced garlic and halved grape tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and pesto, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently. Taste and season with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to warm through. Serve hot.

Notes

This dish is the epitome of comfort and indulgence. The pesto adds such depth of flavor to the creamy sauce, making every bite feel special.

Nutrition

Serving: 155g | Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 403mg | Potassium: 670mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg