Description
Creamy Basil Pesto Chicken is a delightful dish that beautifully combines tender chicken breasts with a rich basil pesto cream sauce. This recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but also versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The aromatic blend of fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious sauce that elevates the chicken, making every bite a flavorful experience. Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal that will impress your family and friends. With its comforting flavors and the ability to evoke warm memories of family gatherings, this creamy delight is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 garlic cloves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and chopping the basil and ensuring chicken breasts are thawed.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat; add olive oil.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet until golden brown on both sides (about 6-7 minutes per side) until fully cooked (165°F/74°C).
- In a blender, combine basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil; blend until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream while blending until creamy.
- Pour the pesto sauce over cooked chicken in the skillet; let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve on plates with additional sauce drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 518
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 471mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 156mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate the chicken in pesto for at least 30 minutes before cooking. - Experiment with nuts like pine nuts or walnuts in your pesto for added texture. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.