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Pan-seared chicken breasts in a Creamy Pesto Chicken with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

Creamy Pesto Chicken

A deliciously creamy and vibrant pesto sauce elevates this Creamy Pesto Chicken dinner, perfect for any occasion.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 415kcal
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Chicken, creamy, Creamy Pesto Chicken, easy dinner, Pesto
Cost: $12

🍳 Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet A 12-inch skillet works best to fit all chicken pieces without crowding. If smaller, cook in batches.
  • 1 Knife and cutting board Essential for filleting the chicken, mincing garlic, and halving tomatoes. A sharp knife helps with prep speed.
  • 1 Spoon or spatula To stir the sauce and flip the chicken. A wooden spoon or silicone spatula works best to protect your skillet.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 2.2 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.4 lb total (chicken breasts)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt adjust based on preference
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper adjust based on preference
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil divided for cooking and flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic minced fresh garlic is best for flavor
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes halved sweet and juicy tomatoes
  • ½ cup heavy cream adds a rich creamy texture
  • ¼ cup pesto use your favorite pesto homemade or store-bought

📋 Instructions

  • Fillet the chicken breasts into thinner portions or pound them to even thickness, then cut each into two halves. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoon of olive oil, followed by minced garlic and halved grape tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and pesto, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently. Taste and season with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to warm through. Serve hot.

📝 Notes

This dish is the epitome of comfort and indulgence. The pesto adds such depth of flavor to the creamy sauce, making every bite feel special.

🥗 Nutrition

Serving: 155g | Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 403mg | Potassium: 670mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg