Creamy Pesto Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 boneless
skinless chicken breast, about 1.3 lb. total
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
divided
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
sliced in half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pesto
Directions
- 1
Fillet the chicken breasts into two thinner pieces (or pound the chicken to an even thickness then cut each breast in half to create four portions). Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.
- 2
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 Tbsp oil and swirl to coat the surface. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes total). Remove the chicken to a clean plate.
- 3
Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet along with the minced garlic and halved grape tomatoes. Sauté for about five minutes, or until the tomatoes start to soften and lose their shape.
- 4
Add the heavy cream and pesto to the skillet with the tomatoes and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to come up to a simmer. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt or pepper to your liking.
- 5
Add the chicken back to the skillet with the tomatoes and sauce, turning to coat the chicken. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for just a few minutes more to heat through. Serve hot.
Creamy Pesto Chicken
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About this Recipe
Looking for an easy weeknight meal that feels fancy enough for guests? This Creamy Pesto Chicken delivers impressive, restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort, making it a perfect main dish whether you're treating yourself or entertaining.
This recipe shines by combining tender chicken with the vibrant, herbaceous notes of pesto, all brought together in a luscious cream sauce. The simple addition of sweet grape tomatoes adds a burst of freshness and a touch of acidity that perfectly balances the richness, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly special.
You can expect tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a velvety, emerald-green sauce that clings beautifully. The sweetness of the grape tomatoes provides a delightful counterpoint, bursting in your mouth with each bite. The overall experience is one of comforting elegance, a dish that tastes complex yet is straightforward to prepare, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal. It’s an accessible recipe that promises a satisfying and flavorful dinner.
While this recipe is fantastic as written, it's also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to swap grape tomatoes for halved cherry tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, more intense flavor profile. Though chicken breast is specified, this rich creamy pesto sauce would also be delightful with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra moisture, or even plump shrimp for a quick seafood variation. A final sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese or basil can elevate the dish further.
This versatile dish is perfect for a relaxed weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve to company. Pair it with your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.