Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
A plate of velvety pesto chicken garnished with fresh basil and parmesan, served with roasted vegetables on a rustic wooden table.

Velvety Pesto Chicken Perfection: A Flavorful Escape

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Velvety Pesto Chicken Perfection is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with vibrant basil pesto and rich cream. Perfect for dinner, this recipe offers a gourmet taste with easy preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy a harmonious blend of herbaceous pesto and luscious sauce in every bite.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free option
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella for topping

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and stir, scraping browned bits from the bottom. Reduce heat and stir in basil pesto until smooth. Optional: add Parmesan cheese.
  3. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Top with cherry tomatoes or mozzarella if desired before serving.

Notes

  • For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
  • Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added vegetables.
  • Spice it up with red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté.
  • Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 520 Kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg