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Garlic Pesto Chicken

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!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

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
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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