Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken: Delicious, Easy Meal
This Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish with juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic pesto sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (or 4 small fillets)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in heavy cream, pesto, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and cherry tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Step 3: Combine And Serve
- Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over it.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Serving Ideas: Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles.
- Make it lighter? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
- Extra flavor? Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 35gFat: 30g
Tried this recipe?Mention @onehourrecipes or tag #onehourrecipes!